Post by sandymarek on Mar 30, 2013 20:17:19 GMT -4
Previously
As they walk in the front door Victoria followed by Audra are there waiting to greet the Barkley brothers and Bill. After exchanging a few words of how happy they are to be back home and everyone is safe Victoria brings them into the kitchen and with Uncle Jim and Audra’s help serves them breakfast which consists of flapjacks and sausage, orange juice and coffee.
While eating the family converses on what took place, how they are all happy that everyone has returned from the various places they had to go safely and soundly with the exception of the minor injuries that they’ve sustained. They then go on to the men that are sleeping in the log cabin that were being held captive alongside of Victoria and then Jarrod mentions a little about the meeting that will be taking place with the governor who is due to arrive at 5 pm after they’ve all had themselves a good night sleep.
After they’ve finished eating Audra and Uncle Jim volunteer to clean up the kitchen while they all head upstairs and after doing a quick use of the bathroom to relieve themselves and wash-up they all head to their prospective beds and bedrooms and upon turning in bid one another goodnight as they go.
3/19/12
Part 421
While the family sleeps Audra and Uncle Jim work on doing the dishes. After putting them away, “Audra,” Uncle Jim announces, “I’ll be back in a few.”
“Where you going?” Audra wanted to know.
“Into town,” Uncle Jim informs her, “To send a wire. I won’t be long.”
Exiting the kitchen Uncle Jim goes out the front door and after saddling up a horse mounts up and heads for town.
Seconds later, Audra opens the door and gets a visit from Melanie, Sarah, Sue Ann and Diane Denton from next door. After exchanging greetings Diane asks, “Would you like to come outside with us?”
“I’d like to” Audra replies “But it will have to wait until my Uncle Jim gets back, okay?”
“Okay,” Diane says, “Come over to my place when you’re ready.”
“I’ll do that,” Audra vows and while she closes the door the four girls walk away.
Seconds later, “If you like,” Ed says, “You may go with them.”
Glancing up at him coming down the stairs, “Hey Ed,” Audra says, “What are you doing up? I thought you’d be still in bed.”
“I had enough bed for now,” Ed replies, “I needed to get up and move around some. If you want to go out with the girls you’re free to go.”
“You sure?” Audra asks, “You’re supposed to be taking it easy.”
“Quite,” Ed replies, “And I could still do both, come down here and take it easy at the same time.”
“Don’t overdue it,” Audra advises.
“I assure you I won’t,” Ed promises and while he takes a seat in one of the chairs, Audra quickly goes out the door to catch up with the girls.
Reaching the telegraph office, Uncle Jim goes inside asks the clerk to send the written out telegram and after paying him exits the building, mounts back up on his horse and heads back to the ranch.
Dentons Ranch
Exiting the ranch and seeing they don’t have enough horses for everyone the girls go down the street walking side by side.
Stockton
Telegraph Office
Receiving the telegram the clerk hands it to his son Jamie and asks him to take it to the Barkleys. Doing as instructed and after placing it in a safe place inside the saddlebag of his horse he mounts up and heads out to the Barkleys’ ranch.
San Francisco
After finishing their three hours and not finding Mrs. Barkley, Barrett and Spot who run into Willard and Browne on the way back discuss what they found and what they didn’t and as they reach the entrance to the Denton’s property start going up the road leading to the log cabin.
As they pass by the Denton’s house they catch sight of three small children who are running around the yard playing tag who in turn catches sight of them approaching. Quickly stopping what they are doing Penny being the first to run over to them says, “Hello.”
Replying, “Hello Little Lady,” Barrett then asks, “What’s your name?”
“Penny,” she answers.
Glancing down at the next girl, “Yours?” he asks.
“Kimmy,” Kimmy answers.
“And you?” Barrett then inquires to Noah who replies, “Noah,” and then quickly asks, “What’s yours?”
“I’m Barrett,” he mentions,” This here,” introducing each of them, “Is Spot, Willard and Browne.”
After exchanging quick hellos and handshakes, “Are you brother and sisters?” Browne wanted to know.
“No,” Noah answers.
“Kimmy and I are sisters,” Penny mentions, “But Noah is not our brother.”
“Do you live here?” Willard then wanted to know.
“No,” Penny replies, “We’re just staying here. Not for sure for how long but we’re just staying here, for the time being.”
“I see,” Willard says.
“Sounds like us,” Barrett brings up.
“You mean just staying here?” Penny asks.
“Yes,” Barrett replies, “You’re staying with them,” pointing to the Denton’s house, “And we’re staying down there” referring to the log cabin.
“Is that where you are going now?” Noah asks.
“Yes,” Barrett replies, “We just came back from town.”
“Are you here from Stockton?” Kimmy wanted to know.
“We are,” Barrett admits.
“You heard of it?” Spot wanted to know.
“We have,” Noah replies.
Browne asks, “How’d’you know?”
“The others” Kimmy mentions “From down there told us that too” pointing to the direction of where the log cabin is located “You came here to find Mrs. Barkley?”
“We did,” Browne states, “You know them?”
“Not well,” Kimmy replies, “We just only met them.”
“We were staying there,” pointing to Jarrod’s gate, “Until Mrs. Barkley was taken by some men,” Penny points out.
“And now,” Noah says, “We are staying with the Dentons’.”
“Well, don’t you worry none,” Willard says, “We intend to find Mrs. Barkley.”
“We’re not worried,” Kimmy replies.
“You don’t need to now,” Penny says.
“Oh,” Willard asks, “Why is that?”
“Because,” Kimmy answers, “She is no longer taken.”
“What do you mean by that?” Browne wanted to know.
“She has already been found,” Kimmy says.
“She has?” Barrett asks.
“This morning,” Kimmy replies.
“She is asleep right now,” Noah then says.
“Thank you for telling us that,” Spot replies.
“Would you like us to show you around?” Kimmy offers.
“That would be nice,” Barrett mentions.
“But how about,” Browne says, “If we do it in a little bit? We have to check in with the others and see who is back and who isn’t, alright?”
Replying “Alright,” Kimmy and the children go back to playing tag while the four men continue on towards the log cabin.
Meanwhile the girls start showing Audra around the area and decide on taking her to Pier 9 to introduce her to some of the various stores that are on the strip. Learning that she loves to shop they decide to take her inside a few of them and as they do a little window-shopping Audra vows to return before she is ready to return to Stockton. Then upon leaving the girls decide to show her and Diane their hide out not too far away from the pier.
Outside Log Cabin
Minutes later Browne, Willard, Spot and Barrett exit the log cabin and once again are met by the children.
“Are you ready now?” Penny asks.
“Yes,” Willard replies, “We are.”
“Then,” Penny says, “Come with us.”
“Gladly,” Willard replies.
“Lead the way,” Barrett encourages.
And with the children walking in between them they begin showing them around the Dentons’ ranch.
They start off with the barn that is housing the horses and introduce them to each of the five that are inside their stalls.
While the smaller children take the hands: Barrett, Willard, Browne and Spot around the Dentons property the girls Sarah, Sue Ann and Melanie are showing Audra and Diane their hide out.
Upon catching sight of a shack that is hidden in a wooded area behind clusters of undergrowth as well as neglected weeds that borders a small creek Audra asks, “You’ve been staying here?”
“We have,” Melanie answers.
“It’s safe,” Sarah mentions, “Come on.”
Going with them they are escorted through the front door. Upon taking in the scenery, “Well,” Diane mumbles, “I’ll be,” as she and Audra both looking about notice the one room that occupies two mattresses, a fireplace, a ladder which leads up to the loft, a door to the left of the ladder, a small table with two long benches, a chair at the head, a small two shelf stand near the wall, a small counter that has a basin with an empty pitcher on top of it as well as an unlit lantern next to that, two windows one above the stand and the other several feet from the door going out.
“What do you think?” Sue Ann inquires.
“Not bad,” Audra replies.
“For a small cabin,” Diane mentions, “It does seem to have all of what you need.”
“How did you manage to find it?” Audra wanted to know.
“Kyle,” Sarah answers, “Kyle found it.”
“He is very smart,” Melanie adds, “While looking about he came across it and we’ve been staying here ever since.”
“I could say one thing for it,” Audra says.
“What’s that?” Sue Ann asks.
“It definitely is hidden from anyone wanting to try to find it easily,” Audra notes, “Enough.”
“That is what made us choose it,” Sarah says, “We felt it was safe enough for all of us.”
“It was also the closest to the waterfront,” Sue Ann mentions, “Where we need to be when the ship we are waiting on comes in.”
“What ship is that?” Diane wanted to know.
“The Grizzly Bear,” Melanie answers.
“I think we better be going” Sarah says “Come on.”
“Wait,” Diane says.
“What?” Sarah asks.
“What about the Grizzly Bear that is coming in,” Diane reiterates asks.
“Oh,” Sarah replies, “It’s nothing. How would you like to see our other hidden cabin?”
“You have another hidden cabin?” Audra asks.
“Sort of,” Sue Ann replies.
“What is different about it?” Audra wanted to know.
“Come with us,” Sarah says, “You’ll see.”
“Okay,” Audra answers.
“Sure,” Diane replies.
Upon exiting the cabin and Sarah closing the door behind them, Diane and Audra follow the girls through another wooded stretch and upon passing by a creek that is to their left they reach another small building. Reaching it they come to notice that it is much smaller than the first cabin that they were using as their home. After opening the door Sarah, immediately reaches for the lantern and upon putting it on, Audra and Diane looking about from the entrance are in awe as they take in all of what they see.
Doing a double-take Audra and Diane both exchange glances and are speechless as they look at the racks and racks of various types of weapons displayed around the room. Being the first to find her voice, “I don’t believe it,” Audra mumbles.
“You?” Diane replies “I am,” thinking of what she wants to say comes out with, “Speechless. Where,” she then asks “Where did you get all these?”
As they quietly walk over to them, “This is what Kyle,” Melanie says, “Calls stockpiling.”
“There must be a hundred of them,” Diane asks, “How did you get them all?”
“Mostly,” Sue Ann notes, “From the piers.”
“Sometimes when we would be walking around,” Melanie says, “We would see one and just pick it up.”
“Sometimes,” Sue Ann mentions, “When a fight would break out, sometimes those using them didn’t realize they dropped it and we would come by and swoop it up. We also would find the ammunition alongside of them or on some of the fallen men that died.”
“Some,” Melanie adds, “We found in some of the abandoned buildings along the way where someone would hold themselves up.”
As she continues looking at them “What are their purpose?” Audra asks.
“We for now,” Sue Ann answers, “Are just keeping them here.”
“Are you planning on using them?” Diane wanted to know.
“Eventually,” Melanie answers.
Thinking, “Do these weapons,” Audra asks, “Have anything to do with the Grizzly Bear ship that is coming in?”
“They do,” Sue Ann answers.
Extinguishing the lantern “We better be going” Sarah replies.
“Wait!” Audra stopping Sarah says.
“What?” Sarah asks.
“Why won’t you tell us anything about the Grizzly Bear coming in?” Audra inquires.
“I can’t” Sarah replies “I promised Kyle. Come on. We need to be going” and upon leading the way she heads for the door with the others following right behind.
Part 422
Dentons’ Ranch
The smaller children are showing the ranch hands the Dentons’ ranch and upon going towards hundreds of bushes and trees which include a number of Arbor Vitae, black maples, Atlas Cedars, apple trees as well as other specimen plantings they reach a pond and as they look at the fish swimming about “This is beautiful,” Browne comments.
“Do you like fish?” Noah asks.
“I do, yes,” Browne says.
“Would you like to see some more colorful looking fish?” Noah wanted to know.
“Like what?” Browne asks.
“Red,” Noah answers, “Goldfish.”
“Red?” Browne mimics.
“Yes,” Noah replies.
“Where would we go for that?” Spot wanted to know.
Pointing to the ranch to his right, “Mr. Barkley’s ranch over there,” Noah answers.
“Mr. Barkley has fish?” Spot wanted to know.
“He does,” Noah then says, “And his pond is different than this one.”
“Oh?” Willard asks, “How is that?”
“Mr. Barkley,” Noah mentions, “Has plenty of fish in his but he has something more than just fish at his pond.”
“What do you mean by that?” Barrett wanted to know.
“He has a train,” Penny notes.
“I wanted to tell him that,” Noah says to Penny.
“Mr. Barkley has a train?” Barrett curiously asks.
“He does,” Noah answers.
“Yes,” Penny replies.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing that,” Barrett states.
“Me either,” Browne says.
“I’m game,” Spot announces.
“So am I,” Willard mentions.
Taking hold of Barrett’s hand “Come with us then,” Noah says and upon leading the way they head towards Jarrod’s ranch.
Stockton
Barkley’s Ranch
Arriving Jamie dismounts takes the wire from out of his saddlebag and upon knocking at the front door, he waits seconds before it is opened by Tina Barkley.
“Well hello Jamie,” she says, “What brings you up this way?”
“I have this here telegram,” he mentions, “For your brother Jack. Is he here?”
“He is,” Tina replies, “Just a minute.” Quickly calling out to him he appears seconds later coming down the stairs, “Yes,” he answers.
“Jamie,” Tina mentions, “Has a telegram for you.”
After taking the telegram, Jack pays Jamie who in turn leaves and upon closing the door begins reading it.
“What’s it say?” Tina curiously asks.
Filling her in on the contents of the telegram he informs her, “Aunt Victoria has been found. She is safely back at the house now.”
“That’s great,” Tina replies, “What else does it say?” trying to read over his shoulders.
“Your presence is needed,” Jack goes on to say, “Please get here as quickly as you could. See if you could bring a few more men with you. Father!” glancing down at Tina, “I better find Duke; see if you could round up the family.”
Replying “Sure,” Tina heads out the back door while Jack goes out the front.
Finding Jean who is watching the children play, Tina informs her about the telegram that arrived and upon departing saddles up a horse and heads out in search of Linda and Maureen.
San Francisco
Upon arriving in Jarrod’s far back yard where the train is sitting in front of the pond, “I don’t believe it,” Barrett says.
“You,” Willard answers, “I can’t either.”
Going over to it “Mr. Barkley” Browne says “Sure can be very mysterious at times.”
“That could be an understatement of the year,” Spot comments, “Never thought he’d be interested in something like this.”
“In all my days, “Barrett says, “I wouldn’t either. I am surprised they don’t have one of these on the ranch.”
“Yeah,” Willard replies, “With all that money they have if he likes them this much I am too.”
“It could be,” Browne notes, “That seeing Mr. Barkley plans to live out here one day this may be why he has it here and not at the ranch.”
“That could very well be too,” Barrett says.
Grinning, “Either that,” Willard brings up, “Or one day he plans on building his own railroad empire.”
“Now that would be something,” Browne notes, “Jarrod Barkley’s Railroad.”
“Unless they plan on calling it,” Barrett says, “Barkley and Barkley Railroad.”
“Another possibility,” Willard comments.
“Either way” Spot brings up “We better be getting back. It’s almost nearing lunchtime.”
“Agreed,” Browne says, “We could always pick this up at another time. It sure isn’t going anywhere.”
“Not in the immediate future at least,” Barrett retorts.
Turning to the children, “Thanks for the tour,” Browne says, “We appreciated it.”
“Our pleasure,” Kimmy answers.
“If you would like to see anything else,” Noah says, “Just ask.”
Running his hand through his hair “We’ll do just that” Browne informs him and upon going their separate ways the men head for the log cabin while the children go back to the house.
Stockton
Jack meanwhile after reaching the North Ridge informs Duke about the contents of the telegram.
Duke asks, “How many would you like to take?”
“Not sure,” Jack replies, “Father just says to bring a few more men with me.”
“Must be something then,” Duke notes, “Otherwise he wouldn’t be making such a request like that.”
“No,” Jack says, “He wouldn’t.”
“Let me go round up the men” Duke says “I’ll meet you back at the bunkhouse.”
“Will do,” Jack replies and while he heads back to the house Duke stops what he’s doing to round up the men.
Barn
As Jack is bringing his horse into the barn he hears, “Is this where we check in?”
Turning about “For what” Jack asks.
“Are you not Jack Barkley?” the lead man inquires.
“I am,” Jack answers, “But…”
“Forgive me,” the man says, “For catching you unaware.”
“That’s an understatement,” Jack notes.
“Let me first start off with introducing myself,” the man says, “I am John Jenkins,” extending his right hand out, “I am one of the local ranchers and live on the other side of the Barkleys’ property. This here is Billy,” introducing him, “And this one is Josh,” who are both standing slightly behind him, “They work for me.”
“May I ask,” Jack asks, “How do you know who I am?”
“Just came from the house,” John Jenkins mentions, “I was told that if you weren’t in the bunkhouse that you should be arriving here soon and I saw you heading this way so I knew you must’ve been him seeing I know you’re not Heath and you do indeed look so much like him.”
“I am still confused,” Jack informs him.
“I could see that” John Jenkins says as he studies his perplexed complexion “I just came from the telegraph office. I was there when the wire came through. And if you are about to make a trip out to San Francisco, I would like to accompany you when you do.”
“May I ask,” Jack asks, “Why would you want to accompany me?”
“I do know something of the mission,” John Jenkins goes on to say, “That the family went out on. I was here the day they were planning it and I know they went there to get a hold of the governor and you could use some more assistance when you do go.”
“You sure obviously,” Jack brings up, “Know a whole lot more than I do. I only was told to come there and that it was urgent.”
“By us coming with you,” John Jenkins says, “I could fill you in on everything that I do know so that when you do get there you will definitely know a whole lot more than you would standing here.”
“Us?” Jack inquires.
“Yes,” John Jenkins replies, “Billy and Josh will be coming along with me. If you agree, we could meet you at the train station with a few more of my men.”
“And if I don’t,” Jack asks.
“We could very well go there ourselves,” John Jenkins notes, “But it may be more beneficial for you if we went together and you knew what you on your way to.”
“That is true” Jack says “And you do bring up some good points and reasons” pondering the decision “And seeing you obviously do know more than I do and are volunteering to come along and seeing I was asked to bring more men along and we are rather short handed to begin with, I can’t very well turn your generous offer down so” extending his hand out “I accept and” as they shake “I will be there as soon as I finish here.”
“See ya then,” John Jenkins informs him as he, Billy and Josh exit the barn and after mounting their horses leave the ranch.
Going inside the house Jack first informs the now gathered family about the contents of the telegram and his having to make a trip down to San Francisco.
While Jack goes out to the bunkhouse to inform the men and find out who will be volunteering to come along Linda offers to pack for him in which he graciously accepts.
As the men talk amongst themselves Duke informs Bobby and Ron they will once again have to remain behind due to their recovering injuries.
The men that do volunteer to go are: Woody, who happens to be a 23 year old blonde, Zac, another blonde roughly 25 years of age, Donovan, a 30 year old with dark curly hair and a mustache, Darnell, who happens to be another 30 year old with dark hair, Elan, who happens to be 27 years of age with somewhat long brown hair parted in the middle and sporting a mustache. Taylor, who happens to be in his late 20’s with very short dark hair, Comos, who happens to be a 30 year old somewhat on the heavy side with brown short hair, Giles, another 30 year old with short brown hair but approximately 5’4 inches tall, Beau, who happens to be in his early 20’s with brown hair and Borton who is in his late 20’s with dirty blonde hair.
As Jack exits the bunkhouse Bobby and Ron both offer to take them into town in which Bobby wins and even though Ron is a little disappointed they both go to get the wagon hitched up.
Going inside the house Jack quickly retrieves the suitcase and then after bidding Linda, the children and the rest of the family gathered goodbye he and Tina walk out together.
While Tina is walking her horse back to the barn Bobby is bringing the wagon over to Jack who meets him halfway. As the men pile into the back, Ron approaches Tina and after exchanging hellos asks “Would you care for some help?”
Smiling, “If you want to,” she answers.
Returning the smile, “I do,” he says.
As Ron is walking Tina to the barn Bobby calls out to him after Jack is sitting alongside of him in the driver’s box, “Be back before you know it.”
“See that you are,” Ron answers.
With a smile on his face and a shake of the head Bobby exits the Barkley ranch and as he is reaching the road leading to town, “You and he,” Jack notes, “Are pretty close aren’t you?”
“We are, yes” Bobby states, “He and I came here together.”
“I could tell,” Jack says, “And it’s good to see.”
Going inside the barn “So tell me” Tina asks of Ron “What’s on your mind?”
“My mind?” he says quizzically.
As she begins stripping the horse down “Yes,” Tina answers, “There must be more than just merely wanting to help me, so I am listening.”
Assisting her “Well,” Ron says, “Since you’ve arrived here, I’ve been so meaning to get you alone so we could talk. I mean talk just you and I.”
“About what” Tina wanted to know.
“I know you’re here from Texas,” Ron mentions.
“I am,” Tina admits.
“And I know once everyone returns and everything is back to normal or is calmer than it is now,” Ron points out, “You will be returning there.”
“And,” Tina says.
“And,” Ron replies, “I figured if I don’t start talking to you soon, then I will never be getting the opportunity to do so and I want so much to talk to you and didn’t want you to be heading back before I did.”
“I got that much,” Tina says, “Now how about if you tell me or ask me whatever it is you want to talk to me about?”
“Well,” Ron brings up, “First, I need to know do you have anybody special or in particular back home?”
“You mean,” she asks, “Like in way of a boy as in boyfriend?”
Nodding his head, “Yes,” he replies.
“The answer at the moment,” Tina says, “Is no. I am at the moment fully available if that is what you are trying to get to.”
Sheepishly he responds, “I am,” Ron then notes, “And I was thinking that seeing I have a little bit of free time on my hand due to my having to take it easy it gives me a little more time with perhaps getting to know you a little better.”
“I see,” Tina replies.
“I know this is short notice” Ron says “And I know I am having a hard time thinking of what I want to ask or say to you, but this Saturday if you’re not doing anything, and if it’s alright with your mother, would you be interested in joining me?”
“To do what?” she asks.
“I thought we could go into town,” he suggests, “Maybe go out to dinner and then take in a show and then I would bring you back home. How does that sound?”
“You mean,” she inquires, “As in a date?”
Nodding his head “Yeah” he answers “A date. Would you like to go with me?”
“I would,” she informs him, “Very much so. I will ask my mother. I don’t see where it would be a problem but I will get back to you with the answer.”
Replying “Thank you,” he continues helping her with putting everything back where it needs to go.
Part 423
Arriving in town the wagon being driven by Bobby arrives outside the train station with Jack and the men. As they are climbing out they are immediately met and greeted by John Jenkins, his two hands Billy and Josh, as well as twelve others.
Jack then proceeds to purchase tickets for he and the men going with him and once they’ve retrieved their suitcases from the back of the wagon Bobby drives away. After distributing the tickets Jack makes a quick trip to the telegraph office.
After paying the clerk to send the wire Jack goes back to the station and as he is waiting with the men they hear the whistle blowing and upon seeing it coming they all get up and wait for it to come to a stop.
As the door opens and those who are coming off exit they with Jack leading the way get on board. Once the men have placed their gear up on top they take their seats and seconds later the doors close and the train begins pulling out of the station.
As it moves along the tracks, Jack who is seated alongside of John Jenkins says, “You said they (the Barkleys) went there to see the governor?”
Replying “Yes” John Jenkins then goes on to fill him in on the rest of the mission they went there on regarding the men being shanghaied. He then brings up “Their own brother, Heath almost became one of the numbers if it hadn’t been for his luck.”
Jack dumbfounded asks, “His luck?”
“Yes,” John answers, “If his brothers didn’t act fast enough or intercept his captors when they did, he may very well be one of the statistics that would be winding up on a ship to probably never to be seen again.”
“I am still confused,” Jack reiterates.
Studying the expression on his face, “I could see that,” John says, “Do you know anything about San Francisco or the shanghaiing business that goes on at the waterfront?”
Shaking his head “Not really” Jack states.
“I think it’s time,” John says, “You learned about it so that when we do arrive there you won’t be so naïve.”
“Okay,” Jack replies.
John Jenkins then goes on to fill Jack in on all that occurs with the crimps, the runners and the local saloons and boarding houses that are paid highly for the men that are turned over to the ships’ captains and subjected to slave labor once they are on board and are traveling to the other side of the world. He then goes on to tell him about how many are never heard from again and that many are either lost or swallowed up by the sharks.
As Jack is contemplating and digesting all the information John is filling him in with he says “Wow!”
“I must say” John replies “It is a little much and I am sorry if I used some harsh definitions but that is what happens in San Francisco and other areas around the country that are into the shanghaiing business.”
“How long has that been going on?” Jack inquires.
“For a very long time,” John replies.
“How did you decide to get involved?” Jack wanted to know.
Jenkins goes on to explain about his brother-in-law being shanghaied while working in the Mare Island Navy yard and to this day hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
Listening intently Jack asks, “How long ago did this happen?”
“Three years ago,” John answers.
“If what you say to be true,” Jack inquires, “What about the law enforcement there?”
Snickering “They are just as corrupt” John informs him “As the crimps and the captains who runs the ships. That is why your family is there now trying to put an end to it. They went to see the governor hoping he would be willing to help. And by their asking for you and some more men must mean they are about to move in.”
“Will it be enough?” Jack asks.
“Not really sure” John says “One could only hope and once we arrive we will see.”
Back at the house
While Tina is assisting Carol with getting lunch ready for the family she asks if she could go on the date with Ron on Saturday.
“I don’t see where it will be a problem” she informs her “You may tell him yes and that you may only go to dinner and a show and then come straight home alright?”
“Alright” Tina answers “Thank you” giving her a peck on the cheek “I’ll go tell him.”
As she quickly exits the kitchen “What was all that about?” Jean asks of Carol as she walks in to give her a hand.
“She asked me” Carol answers “If it would be alright if she went out on a date with Ron.”
“By the look on her face” Jean says “And seeing how quickly she went out of here I would say you told her she could.”
“I did” Carol answers “Although I rather see her with someone closer to her age she really doesn’t know that many here and seeing we’re going to be here for a little while yet I can’t see why she can’t have a little fun for herself before we do have to go back and even though Ron is a little bit older he is a nice young man and seeing he works here I know that I could trust him.”
“True,” Jean admits.
Back in San Francisco
As it is approaching noontime and the men folk, as well as Victoria who have all returned very late from being out all night are sound asleep in their beds. While the men that were being held with Victoria Barkley are sound asleep in the small room inside the log cabin, Sherry, the girls as well as Noah are in the kitchen there fixing lunch for the men that have all returned from their mission of searching for Mrs. Barkley.
Stockton
After returning from town and taking care of the wagon and horses Bobby goes inside the bunkhouse where he catches sight of Ron who is about to sit down and have a bite to eat.
Joining in, “Well,” Bobby then asks, “How did it go?”
Smiling, “Went very well,” Ron informs him.
“I take it,” Bobby surmises, “She said yes.”
Watching him as he is now grinning from ear to ear, “She said yes,” Ron states.
Slapping him playfully on the arm “Good going” Bobby congratulating him says “You made a wise choice. She’s a very nice young lady and if I didn’t have Nancy already, I wouldn’t have mind taking a chance on her myself.”
“Thank you,” Ron replies.
San Francisco-Log Cabin
Once the men have been served their lunch which consists of a variety of finger sandwiches, cole slaw, a tossed salad as well as pudding, hot coffee and tea, Sherry and the children exit the cabin and head for their house.
While they eat they start conversing on what took place and exchange what they ran into along the way while they were out looking for Mrs. Barkley.
“Could someone tell me who or” Don asks “Where those men in that room” pointing to the small room off the big room from where they’re sitting “Came from? They weren’t in there when we went out this morning and they certainly didn’t come here with us? And they weren’t sleeping in there before because if they had or were we would’ve saw them and known about them.”
“That is true,” Oscar states, “We would have.”
“They came here,” Austin says, “Or should I say brought here courtesy of Mrs. Barkley.”
“How’s that?” Joe wanted to know.
“They were being held” Austin mentions “In one of the buildings that were holding Mrs. Barkley hostage. When she was freed and rescued, so were they and she brought them back here with her.”
“Interesting,” Joe retorts.
“How’s the arm?” Johnny asks of Jim who answers, “Sore,” moving it, “But otherwise alright.”
“What happened?” Mike inquires.
“Thanks to Heath,” Jim replies, “I am here to talk about it.”
“What did he do?” Hank asks.
“While we were trying to deliver the ransom money” Johnny answers “The kidnapper was just about to shoot Jim when Heath came by and as he saw the gun being brought up he just leapt into action. He quickly saved Jim from being hit and upon doing so they both went straight inside of the glass of a Chinese Tea House’s window.”
“Yes,” Jack mentions, “If it hadn’t been for Heath and his perfect timing Jim just might not be sitting here right now to talk about it.”
“No, either that,” Vinnie says, “Or he just might be fighting for his life right now instead of the Chinese Woman who is recovering at the doctor’s as we speak.”
“Yes,” Johnny replies, “Instead of nurturing a few cuts that they both sustained when they collided with the glass he could very well be heading for his grave right about now.
“Agreed,” Jack mentions.
“So,” Mike brings up, “Heath got you out of the way of the bullet?”
“Yes,” Jim replies.
“Just in the nick of time too,” Johnny reiterates “He somehow just came by at the right moment and made a beeline for Jim and as the kidnapper was aiming his gun Heath saw him and quickly sprung into action and both he and Jim collided with the glass of the Chinese Tea House’s window and unfortunately the bullet that was meant for Jim wound up hitting the Chinese woman instead.”
Hank asks, “Is she alright?”
“She will be,” Jim says “But everything did happen so quickly that even though I do thank Heath for what he did, I sure wish he would’ve just called out instead and then perhaps he would’ve saved himself from getting cut from the glass in the process.”
“There wasn’t enough time,” Vinnie states.
“At that specific moment,” Johnny notes, “He wasn’t thinking. Everything did happen so quickly. One minute you were getting ready to move to find the next set of instructions that you didn’t even see him appearing out of nowhere and Heath coming down the street did and he just reacted. And if Heath didn’t do what he did you just may not be sitting here now.”
“I know! I could never thank Heath enough for what he did, but” Jim sighing responds, “Thankfully he is alright and the Chinese woman will be as well.”
Don asks, “What happened to the kidnapper?”
“Oh,” Johnny replies, “After Heath and Jim went inside the tea house Nick took after him.”
“He didn’t stand a chance,” Vinnie notes.
“That would be Nick,” Barrett retorts.
“True,” Johnny says.
“Fortunately,” Jack notes, “Everything turned out alright. Mrs. Barkley was found and rescued long before you went out to probably deliver the ransom.”
“Just about,” Austin says.
“And,” Jack adds, “Nick did keep his word on his promise that if things were to change he would make certain you were to know and they did just that.”
“True,” Jim replies, “Nick is as he said true to his word. There is no denying that.”
“Indeed not” Johnny notes “So how was it or should I say who was it that found Mrs. Barkley?”
“In a way,” Oscar brings up, “Gene did.”
“Gene did?” Jim asks, “He’s here?”
“Yes,” Oscar answers, “And so is Audra.”
“How did they get here?” Jim asks.
“That I don’t know,” Oscar says, “But from what I know while we were all asleep and before we went out to look for Mrs. Barkley, Gene went out with the boys that are at the Dentons’ there,” pointing, “And while going down Mission Street they made their way to one of the back alleyways to where she was being held captive.”
“And when we got there,” Austin adds, “From what we saw and gathered there was some kind of battle that occurred and after Mrs. Barkley was rescued they went back to the ranch where they are now asleep.”
“What time did you get back?” Johnny wanted to know.
“We got back,” Austin answers, “Just a little while ago.”
“Oh?” Johnny asks, “How did that come to be?”
“After finding Mrs. Barkley,” Oscar mentions, “Nick had us go to see if we could track down the rest of you to tell you to disengage with the mission.”
“But upon doing so,” Austin brings up, “We wound up finding Sam and Chris which eventually led us to where Davy and Chad were.”
“How did that come to be?” Jim inquires.
“We heard music,” Austin mentions.
“Music” Hank asks.
“Yes,” Austin replies, “And as we got closer to the street it was coming from we ran into Sam and Chris who were coming down the other street and thankfully it led us to the saloon where we found Davy and Chad at.”
“And,” Chris mentions, “Not a moment too soon.”
“What’s that suppose to mean?” Johnny asks.
“Just what I said” glancing over at Davy and Chad “Tell them what you did” Chris says.
“It may be best,” Davy brings up, “If Chad told it.”
Pointing to himself “Me,” Chad argues, “Davy, you tell them what you did.”
“I didn’t do it,” Davy disputes, “You did it.”
“But you got it moving,” Chad says.
“No,” Davy replies, “You did.”
“Will one of you tell us what happened?” Don says.
“Go on, Davy,” Chad urges.
Exhaling heavily “Very well” Davy says “It may be best to start at the beginning.”
“That is usually the best,” Hank notes.
“Especially for those who just got here,” Jim states.
“As we proceeded down Pine Street,” Davy says, “We began hearing the music as well and so we decided to see where it was coming from and as we got closer it led us to a saloon called Alfredo’s.”
“That is how” Sam replies “We came to get there ourselves. We kept following it and upon doing so we met up with Oscar and Austin who were doing the same thing to which eventually brought us to the saloon where it came from. ”
“As we came up to Alfredo’s,” Chad points out, “The music stopped. There was a man in black who was watching us as we were coming up the street and went inside to tell his buddies and as we walked in we had all these men eying us.”
“Watching us with a great deal of interest,” Davy brings up.
“What do you mean?” Johnny asks.
“They were sizing us up,” Chad mentions, “And if it hadn’t been for Davy, as well as the quick arrival of Sam, Chris, Austin and Oscar we just may still be there.”
“They came very close,” Sam brings up, “To being shanghaied if the turns of events did not happen.”
“What do you mean by that?” Pete asks.
“Just what I said” Sam mentions “They almost got themselves shanghaied” as he looks to them.
tbc
As they walk in the front door Victoria followed by Audra are there waiting to greet the Barkley brothers and Bill. After exchanging a few words of how happy they are to be back home and everyone is safe Victoria brings them into the kitchen and with Uncle Jim and Audra’s help serves them breakfast which consists of flapjacks and sausage, orange juice and coffee.
While eating the family converses on what took place, how they are all happy that everyone has returned from the various places they had to go safely and soundly with the exception of the minor injuries that they’ve sustained. They then go on to the men that are sleeping in the log cabin that were being held captive alongside of Victoria and then Jarrod mentions a little about the meeting that will be taking place with the governor who is due to arrive at 5 pm after they’ve all had themselves a good night sleep.
After they’ve finished eating Audra and Uncle Jim volunteer to clean up the kitchen while they all head upstairs and after doing a quick use of the bathroom to relieve themselves and wash-up they all head to their prospective beds and bedrooms and upon turning in bid one another goodnight as they go.
3/19/12
Part 421
While the family sleeps Audra and Uncle Jim work on doing the dishes. After putting them away, “Audra,” Uncle Jim announces, “I’ll be back in a few.”
“Where you going?” Audra wanted to know.
“Into town,” Uncle Jim informs her, “To send a wire. I won’t be long.”
Exiting the kitchen Uncle Jim goes out the front door and after saddling up a horse mounts up and heads for town.
Seconds later, Audra opens the door and gets a visit from Melanie, Sarah, Sue Ann and Diane Denton from next door. After exchanging greetings Diane asks, “Would you like to come outside with us?”
“I’d like to” Audra replies “But it will have to wait until my Uncle Jim gets back, okay?”
“Okay,” Diane says, “Come over to my place when you’re ready.”
“I’ll do that,” Audra vows and while she closes the door the four girls walk away.
Seconds later, “If you like,” Ed says, “You may go with them.”
Glancing up at him coming down the stairs, “Hey Ed,” Audra says, “What are you doing up? I thought you’d be still in bed.”
“I had enough bed for now,” Ed replies, “I needed to get up and move around some. If you want to go out with the girls you’re free to go.”
“You sure?” Audra asks, “You’re supposed to be taking it easy.”
“Quite,” Ed replies, “And I could still do both, come down here and take it easy at the same time.”
“Don’t overdue it,” Audra advises.
“I assure you I won’t,” Ed promises and while he takes a seat in one of the chairs, Audra quickly goes out the door to catch up with the girls.
Reaching the telegraph office, Uncle Jim goes inside asks the clerk to send the written out telegram and after paying him exits the building, mounts back up on his horse and heads back to the ranch.
Dentons Ranch
Exiting the ranch and seeing they don’t have enough horses for everyone the girls go down the street walking side by side.
Stockton
Telegraph Office
Receiving the telegram the clerk hands it to his son Jamie and asks him to take it to the Barkleys. Doing as instructed and after placing it in a safe place inside the saddlebag of his horse he mounts up and heads out to the Barkleys’ ranch.
San Francisco
After finishing their three hours and not finding Mrs. Barkley, Barrett and Spot who run into Willard and Browne on the way back discuss what they found and what they didn’t and as they reach the entrance to the Denton’s property start going up the road leading to the log cabin.
As they pass by the Denton’s house they catch sight of three small children who are running around the yard playing tag who in turn catches sight of them approaching. Quickly stopping what they are doing Penny being the first to run over to them says, “Hello.”
Replying, “Hello Little Lady,” Barrett then asks, “What’s your name?”
“Penny,” she answers.
Glancing down at the next girl, “Yours?” he asks.
“Kimmy,” Kimmy answers.
“And you?” Barrett then inquires to Noah who replies, “Noah,” and then quickly asks, “What’s yours?”
“I’m Barrett,” he mentions,” This here,” introducing each of them, “Is Spot, Willard and Browne.”
After exchanging quick hellos and handshakes, “Are you brother and sisters?” Browne wanted to know.
“No,” Noah answers.
“Kimmy and I are sisters,” Penny mentions, “But Noah is not our brother.”
“Do you live here?” Willard then wanted to know.
“No,” Penny replies, “We’re just staying here. Not for sure for how long but we’re just staying here, for the time being.”
“I see,” Willard says.
“Sounds like us,” Barrett brings up.
“You mean just staying here?” Penny asks.
“Yes,” Barrett replies, “You’re staying with them,” pointing to the Denton’s house, “And we’re staying down there” referring to the log cabin.
“Is that where you are going now?” Noah asks.
“Yes,” Barrett replies, “We just came back from town.”
“Are you here from Stockton?” Kimmy wanted to know.
“We are,” Barrett admits.
“You heard of it?” Spot wanted to know.
“We have,” Noah replies.
Browne asks, “How’d’you know?”
“The others” Kimmy mentions “From down there told us that too” pointing to the direction of where the log cabin is located “You came here to find Mrs. Barkley?”
“We did,” Browne states, “You know them?”
“Not well,” Kimmy replies, “We just only met them.”
“We were staying there,” pointing to Jarrod’s gate, “Until Mrs. Barkley was taken by some men,” Penny points out.
“And now,” Noah says, “We are staying with the Dentons’.”
“Well, don’t you worry none,” Willard says, “We intend to find Mrs. Barkley.”
“We’re not worried,” Kimmy replies.
“You don’t need to now,” Penny says.
“Oh,” Willard asks, “Why is that?”
“Because,” Kimmy answers, “She is no longer taken.”
“What do you mean by that?” Browne wanted to know.
“She has already been found,” Kimmy says.
“She has?” Barrett asks.
“This morning,” Kimmy replies.
“She is asleep right now,” Noah then says.
“Thank you for telling us that,” Spot replies.
“Would you like us to show you around?” Kimmy offers.
“That would be nice,” Barrett mentions.
“But how about,” Browne says, “If we do it in a little bit? We have to check in with the others and see who is back and who isn’t, alright?”
Replying “Alright,” Kimmy and the children go back to playing tag while the four men continue on towards the log cabin.
Meanwhile the girls start showing Audra around the area and decide on taking her to Pier 9 to introduce her to some of the various stores that are on the strip. Learning that she loves to shop they decide to take her inside a few of them and as they do a little window-shopping Audra vows to return before she is ready to return to Stockton. Then upon leaving the girls decide to show her and Diane their hide out not too far away from the pier.
Outside Log Cabin
Minutes later Browne, Willard, Spot and Barrett exit the log cabin and once again are met by the children.
“Are you ready now?” Penny asks.
“Yes,” Willard replies, “We are.”
“Then,” Penny says, “Come with us.”
“Gladly,” Willard replies.
“Lead the way,” Barrett encourages.
And with the children walking in between them they begin showing them around the Dentons’ ranch.
They start off with the barn that is housing the horses and introduce them to each of the five that are inside their stalls.
While the smaller children take the hands: Barrett, Willard, Browne and Spot around the Dentons property the girls Sarah, Sue Ann and Melanie are showing Audra and Diane their hide out.
Upon catching sight of a shack that is hidden in a wooded area behind clusters of undergrowth as well as neglected weeds that borders a small creek Audra asks, “You’ve been staying here?”
“We have,” Melanie answers.
“It’s safe,” Sarah mentions, “Come on.”
Going with them they are escorted through the front door. Upon taking in the scenery, “Well,” Diane mumbles, “I’ll be,” as she and Audra both looking about notice the one room that occupies two mattresses, a fireplace, a ladder which leads up to the loft, a door to the left of the ladder, a small table with two long benches, a chair at the head, a small two shelf stand near the wall, a small counter that has a basin with an empty pitcher on top of it as well as an unlit lantern next to that, two windows one above the stand and the other several feet from the door going out.
“What do you think?” Sue Ann inquires.
“Not bad,” Audra replies.
“For a small cabin,” Diane mentions, “It does seem to have all of what you need.”
“How did you manage to find it?” Audra wanted to know.
“Kyle,” Sarah answers, “Kyle found it.”
“He is very smart,” Melanie adds, “While looking about he came across it and we’ve been staying here ever since.”
“I could say one thing for it,” Audra says.
“What’s that?” Sue Ann asks.
“It definitely is hidden from anyone wanting to try to find it easily,” Audra notes, “Enough.”
“That is what made us choose it,” Sarah says, “We felt it was safe enough for all of us.”
“It was also the closest to the waterfront,” Sue Ann mentions, “Where we need to be when the ship we are waiting on comes in.”
“What ship is that?” Diane wanted to know.
“The Grizzly Bear,” Melanie answers.
“I think we better be going” Sarah says “Come on.”
“Wait,” Diane says.
“What?” Sarah asks.
“What about the Grizzly Bear that is coming in,” Diane reiterates asks.
“Oh,” Sarah replies, “It’s nothing. How would you like to see our other hidden cabin?”
“You have another hidden cabin?” Audra asks.
“Sort of,” Sue Ann replies.
“What is different about it?” Audra wanted to know.
“Come with us,” Sarah says, “You’ll see.”
“Okay,” Audra answers.
“Sure,” Diane replies.
Upon exiting the cabin and Sarah closing the door behind them, Diane and Audra follow the girls through another wooded stretch and upon passing by a creek that is to their left they reach another small building. Reaching it they come to notice that it is much smaller than the first cabin that they were using as their home. After opening the door Sarah, immediately reaches for the lantern and upon putting it on, Audra and Diane looking about from the entrance are in awe as they take in all of what they see.
Doing a double-take Audra and Diane both exchange glances and are speechless as they look at the racks and racks of various types of weapons displayed around the room. Being the first to find her voice, “I don’t believe it,” Audra mumbles.
“You?” Diane replies “I am,” thinking of what she wants to say comes out with, “Speechless. Where,” she then asks “Where did you get all these?”
As they quietly walk over to them, “This is what Kyle,” Melanie says, “Calls stockpiling.”
“There must be a hundred of them,” Diane asks, “How did you get them all?”
“Mostly,” Sue Ann notes, “From the piers.”
“Sometimes when we would be walking around,” Melanie says, “We would see one and just pick it up.”
“Sometimes,” Sue Ann mentions, “When a fight would break out, sometimes those using them didn’t realize they dropped it and we would come by and swoop it up. We also would find the ammunition alongside of them or on some of the fallen men that died.”
“Some,” Melanie adds, “We found in some of the abandoned buildings along the way where someone would hold themselves up.”
As she continues looking at them “What are their purpose?” Audra asks.
“We for now,” Sue Ann answers, “Are just keeping them here.”
“Are you planning on using them?” Diane wanted to know.
“Eventually,” Melanie answers.
Thinking, “Do these weapons,” Audra asks, “Have anything to do with the Grizzly Bear ship that is coming in?”
“They do,” Sue Ann answers.
Extinguishing the lantern “We better be going” Sarah replies.
“Wait!” Audra stopping Sarah says.
“What?” Sarah asks.
“Why won’t you tell us anything about the Grizzly Bear coming in?” Audra inquires.
“I can’t” Sarah replies “I promised Kyle. Come on. We need to be going” and upon leading the way she heads for the door with the others following right behind.
Part 422
Dentons’ Ranch
The smaller children are showing the ranch hands the Dentons’ ranch and upon going towards hundreds of bushes and trees which include a number of Arbor Vitae, black maples, Atlas Cedars, apple trees as well as other specimen plantings they reach a pond and as they look at the fish swimming about “This is beautiful,” Browne comments.
“Do you like fish?” Noah asks.
“I do, yes,” Browne says.
“Would you like to see some more colorful looking fish?” Noah wanted to know.
“Like what?” Browne asks.
“Red,” Noah answers, “Goldfish.”
“Red?” Browne mimics.
“Yes,” Noah replies.
“Where would we go for that?” Spot wanted to know.
Pointing to the ranch to his right, “Mr. Barkley’s ranch over there,” Noah answers.
“Mr. Barkley has fish?” Spot wanted to know.
“He does,” Noah then says, “And his pond is different than this one.”
“Oh?” Willard asks, “How is that?”
“Mr. Barkley,” Noah mentions, “Has plenty of fish in his but he has something more than just fish at his pond.”
“What do you mean by that?” Barrett wanted to know.
“He has a train,” Penny notes.
“I wanted to tell him that,” Noah says to Penny.
“Mr. Barkley has a train?” Barrett curiously asks.
“He does,” Noah answers.
“Yes,” Penny replies.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing that,” Barrett states.
“Me either,” Browne says.
“I’m game,” Spot announces.
“So am I,” Willard mentions.
Taking hold of Barrett’s hand “Come with us then,” Noah says and upon leading the way they head towards Jarrod’s ranch.
Stockton
Barkley’s Ranch
Arriving Jamie dismounts takes the wire from out of his saddlebag and upon knocking at the front door, he waits seconds before it is opened by Tina Barkley.
“Well hello Jamie,” she says, “What brings you up this way?”
“I have this here telegram,” he mentions, “For your brother Jack. Is he here?”
“He is,” Tina replies, “Just a minute.” Quickly calling out to him he appears seconds later coming down the stairs, “Yes,” he answers.
“Jamie,” Tina mentions, “Has a telegram for you.”
After taking the telegram, Jack pays Jamie who in turn leaves and upon closing the door begins reading it.
“What’s it say?” Tina curiously asks.
Filling her in on the contents of the telegram he informs her, “Aunt Victoria has been found. She is safely back at the house now.”
“That’s great,” Tina replies, “What else does it say?” trying to read over his shoulders.
“Your presence is needed,” Jack goes on to say, “Please get here as quickly as you could. See if you could bring a few more men with you. Father!” glancing down at Tina, “I better find Duke; see if you could round up the family.”
Replying “Sure,” Tina heads out the back door while Jack goes out the front.
Finding Jean who is watching the children play, Tina informs her about the telegram that arrived and upon departing saddles up a horse and heads out in search of Linda and Maureen.
San Francisco
Upon arriving in Jarrod’s far back yard where the train is sitting in front of the pond, “I don’t believe it,” Barrett says.
“You,” Willard answers, “I can’t either.”
Going over to it “Mr. Barkley” Browne says “Sure can be very mysterious at times.”
“That could be an understatement of the year,” Spot comments, “Never thought he’d be interested in something like this.”
“In all my days, “Barrett says, “I wouldn’t either. I am surprised they don’t have one of these on the ranch.”
“Yeah,” Willard replies, “With all that money they have if he likes them this much I am too.”
“It could be,” Browne notes, “That seeing Mr. Barkley plans to live out here one day this may be why he has it here and not at the ranch.”
“That could very well be too,” Barrett says.
Grinning, “Either that,” Willard brings up, “Or one day he plans on building his own railroad empire.”
“Now that would be something,” Browne notes, “Jarrod Barkley’s Railroad.”
“Unless they plan on calling it,” Barrett says, “Barkley and Barkley Railroad.”
“Another possibility,” Willard comments.
“Either way” Spot brings up “We better be getting back. It’s almost nearing lunchtime.”
“Agreed,” Browne says, “We could always pick this up at another time. It sure isn’t going anywhere.”
“Not in the immediate future at least,” Barrett retorts.
Turning to the children, “Thanks for the tour,” Browne says, “We appreciated it.”
“Our pleasure,” Kimmy answers.
“If you would like to see anything else,” Noah says, “Just ask.”
Running his hand through his hair “We’ll do just that” Browne informs him and upon going their separate ways the men head for the log cabin while the children go back to the house.
Stockton
Jack meanwhile after reaching the North Ridge informs Duke about the contents of the telegram.
Duke asks, “How many would you like to take?”
“Not sure,” Jack replies, “Father just says to bring a few more men with me.”
“Must be something then,” Duke notes, “Otherwise he wouldn’t be making such a request like that.”
“No,” Jack says, “He wouldn’t.”
“Let me go round up the men” Duke says “I’ll meet you back at the bunkhouse.”
“Will do,” Jack replies and while he heads back to the house Duke stops what he’s doing to round up the men.
Barn
As Jack is bringing his horse into the barn he hears, “Is this where we check in?”
Turning about “For what” Jack asks.
“Are you not Jack Barkley?” the lead man inquires.
“I am,” Jack answers, “But…”
“Forgive me,” the man says, “For catching you unaware.”
“That’s an understatement,” Jack notes.
“Let me first start off with introducing myself,” the man says, “I am John Jenkins,” extending his right hand out, “I am one of the local ranchers and live on the other side of the Barkleys’ property. This here is Billy,” introducing him, “And this one is Josh,” who are both standing slightly behind him, “They work for me.”
“May I ask,” Jack asks, “How do you know who I am?”
“Just came from the house,” John Jenkins mentions, “I was told that if you weren’t in the bunkhouse that you should be arriving here soon and I saw you heading this way so I knew you must’ve been him seeing I know you’re not Heath and you do indeed look so much like him.”
“I am still confused,” Jack informs him.
“I could see that” John Jenkins says as he studies his perplexed complexion “I just came from the telegraph office. I was there when the wire came through. And if you are about to make a trip out to San Francisco, I would like to accompany you when you do.”
“May I ask,” Jack asks, “Why would you want to accompany me?”
“I do know something of the mission,” John Jenkins goes on to say, “That the family went out on. I was here the day they were planning it and I know they went there to get a hold of the governor and you could use some more assistance when you do go.”
“You sure obviously,” Jack brings up, “Know a whole lot more than I do. I only was told to come there and that it was urgent.”
“By us coming with you,” John Jenkins says, “I could fill you in on everything that I do know so that when you do get there you will definitely know a whole lot more than you would standing here.”
“Us?” Jack inquires.
“Yes,” John Jenkins replies, “Billy and Josh will be coming along with me. If you agree, we could meet you at the train station with a few more of my men.”
“And if I don’t,” Jack asks.
“We could very well go there ourselves,” John Jenkins notes, “But it may be more beneficial for you if we went together and you knew what you on your way to.”
“That is true” Jack says “And you do bring up some good points and reasons” pondering the decision “And seeing you obviously do know more than I do and are volunteering to come along and seeing I was asked to bring more men along and we are rather short handed to begin with, I can’t very well turn your generous offer down so” extending his hand out “I accept and” as they shake “I will be there as soon as I finish here.”
“See ya then,” John Jenkins informs him as he, Billy and Josh exit the barn and after mounting their horses leave the ranch.
Going inside the house Jack first informs the now gathered family about the contents of the telegram and his having to make a trip down to San Francisco.
While Jack goes out to the bunkhouse to inform the men and find out who will be volunteering to come along Linda offers to pack for him in which he graciously accepts.
As the men talk amongst themselves Duke informs Bobby and Ron they will once again have to remain behind due to their recovering injuries.
The men that do volunteer to go are: Woody, who happens to be a 23 year old blonde, Zac, another blonde roughly 25 years of age, Donovan, a 30 year old with dark curly hair and a mustache, Darnell, who happens to be another 30 year old with dark hair, Elan, who happens to be 27 years of age with somewhat long brown hair parted in the middle and sporting a mustache. Taylor, who happens to be in his late 20’s with very short dark hair, Comos, who happens to be a 30 year old somewhat on the heavy side with brown short hair, Giles, another 30 year old with short brown hair but approximately 5’4 inches tall, Beau, who happens to be in his early 20’s with brown hair and Borton who is in his late 20’s with dirty blonde hair.
As Jack exits the bunkhouse Bobby and Ron both offer to take them into town in which Bobby wins and even though Ron is a little disappointed they both go to get the wagon hitched up.
Going inside the house Jack quickly retrieves the suitcase and then after bidding Linda, the children and the rest of the family gathered goodbye he and Tina walk out together.
While Tina is walking her horse back to the barn Bobby is bringing the wagon over to Jack who meets him halfway. As the men pile into the back, Ron approaches Tina and after exchanging hellos asks “Would you care for some help?”
Smiling, “If you want to,” she answers.
Returning the smile, “I do,” he says.
As Ron is walking Tina to the barn Bobby calls out to him after Jack is sitting alongside of him in the driver’s box, “Be back before you know it.”
“See that you are,” Ron answers.
With a smile on his face and a shake of the head Bobby exits the Barkley ranch and as he is reaching the road leading to town, “You and he,” Jack notes, “Are pretty close aren’t you?”
“We are, yes” Bobby states, “He and I came here together.”
“I could tell,” Jack says, “And it’s good to see.”
Going inside the barn “So tell me” Tina asks of Ron “What’s on your mind?”
“My mind?” he says quizzically.
As she begins stripping the horse down “Yes,” Tina answers, “There must be more than just merely wanting to help me, so I am listening.”
Assisting her “Well,” Ron says, “Since you’ve arrived here, I’ve been so meaning to get you alone so we could talk. I mean talk just you and I.”
“About what” Tina wanted to know.
“I know you’re here from Texas,” Ron mentions.
“I am,” Tina admits.
“And I know once everyone returns and everything is back to normal or is calmer than it is now,” Ron points out, “You will be returning there.”
“And,” Tina says.
“And,” Ron replies, “I figured if I don’t start talking to you soon, then I will never be getting the opportunity to do so and I want so much to talk to you and didn’t want you to be heading back before I did.”
“I got that much,” Tina says, “Now how about if you tell me or ask me whatever it is you want to talk to me about?”
“Well,” Ron brings up, “First, I need to know do you have anybody special or in particular back home?”
“You mean,” she asks, “Like in way of a boy as in boyfriend?”
Nodding his head, “Yes,” he replies.
“The answer at the moment,” Tina says, “Is no. I am at the moment fully available if that is what you are trying to get to.”
Sheepishly he responds, “I am,” Ron then notes, “And I was thinking that seeing I have a little bit of free time on my hand due to my having to take it easy it gives me a little more time with perhaps getting to know you a little better.”
“I see,” Tina replies.
“I know this is short notice” Ron says “And I know I am having a hard time thinking of what I want to ask or say to you, but this Saturday if you’re not doing anything, and if it’s alright with your mother, would you be interested in joining me?”
“To do what?” she asks.
“I thought we could go into town,” he suggests, “Maybe go out to dinner and then take in a show and then I would bring you back home. How does that sound?”
“You mean,” she inquires, “As in a date?”
Nodding his head “Yeah” he answers “A date. Would you like to go with me?”
“I would,” she informs him, “Very much so. I will ask my mother. I don’t see where it would be a problem but I will get back to you with the answer.”
Replying “Thank you,” he continues helping her with putting everything back where it needs to go.
Part 423
Arriving in town the wagon being driven by Bobby arrives outside the train station with Jack and the men. As they are climbing out they are immediately met and greeted by John Jenkins, his two hands Billy and Josh, as well as twelve others.
Jack then proceeds to purchase tickets for he and the men going with him and once they’ve retrieved their suitcases from the back of the wagon Bobby drives away. After distributing the tickets Jack makes a quick trip to the telegraph office.
After paying the clerk to send the wire Jack goes back to the station and as he is waiting with the men they hear the whistle blowing and upon seeing it coming they all get up and wait for it to come to a stop.
As the door opens and those who are coming off exit they with Jack leading the way get on board. Once the men have placed their gear up on top they take their seats and seconds later the doors close and the train begins pulling out of the station.
As it moves along the tracks, Jack who is seated alongside of John Jenkins says, “You said they (the Barkleys) went there to see the governor?”
Replying “Yes” John Jenkins then goes on to fill him in on the rest of the mission they went there on regarding the men being shanghaied. He then brings up “Their own brother, Heath almost became one of the numbers if it hadn’t been for his luck.”
Jack dumbfounded asks, “His luck?”
“Yes,” John answers, “If his brothers didn’t act fast enough or intercept his captors when they did, he may very well be one of the statistics that would be winding up on a ship to probably never to be seen again.”
“I am still confused,” Jack reiterates.
Studying the expression on his face, “I could see that,” John says, “Do you know anything about San Francisco or the shanghaiing business that goes on at the waterfront?”
Shaking his head “Not really” Jack states.
“I think it’s time,” John says, “You learned about it so that when we do arrive there you won’t be so naïve.”
“Okay,” Jack replies.
John Jenkins then goes on to fill Jack in on all that occurs with the crimps, the runners and the local saloons and boarding houses that are paid highly for the men that are turned over to the ships’ captains and subjected to slave labor once they are on board and are traveling to the other side of the world. He then goes on to tell him about how many are never heard from again and that many are either lost or swallowed up by the sharks.
As Jack is contemplating and digesting all the information John is filling him in with he says “Wow!”
“I must say” John replies “It is a little much and I am sorry if I used some harsh definitions but that is what happens in San Francisco and other areas around the country that are into the shanghaiing business.”
“How long has that been going on?” Jack inquires.
“For a very long time,” John replies.
“How did you decide to get involved?” Jack wanted to know.
Jenkins goes on to explain about his brother-in-law being shanghaied while working in the Mare Island Navy yard and to this day hasn’t been seen or heard from since.
Listening intently Jack asks, “How long ago did this happen?”
“Three years ago,” John answers.
“If what you say to be true,” Jack inquires, “What about the law enforcement there?”
Snickering “They are just as corrupt” John informs him “As the crimps and the captains who runs the ships. That is why your family is there now trying to put an end to it. They went to see the governor hoping he would be willing to help. And by their asking for you and some more men must mean they are about to move in.”
“Will it be enough?” Jack asks.
“Not really sure” John says “One could only hope and once we arrive we will see.”
Back at the house
While Tina is assisting Carol with getting lunch ready for the family she asks if she could go on the date with Ron on Saturday.
“I don’t see where it will be a problem” she informs her “You may tell him yes and that you may only go to dinner and a show and then come straight home alright?”
“Alright” Tina answers “Thank you” giving her a peck on the cheek “I’ll go tell him.”
As she quickly exits the kitchen “What was all that about?” Jean asks of Carol as she walks in to give her a hand.
“She asked me” Carol answers “If it would be alright if she went out on a date with Ron.”
“By the look on her face” Jean says “And seeing how quickly she went out of here I would say you told her she could.”
“I did” Carol answers “Although I rather see her with someone closer to her age she really doesn’t know that many here and seeing we’re going to be here for a little while yet I can’t see why she can’t have a little fun for herself before we do have to go back and even though Ron is a little bit older he is a nice young man and seeing he works here I know that I could trust him.”
“True,” Jean admits.
Back in San Francisco
As it is approaching noontime and the men folk, as well as Victoria who have all returned very late from being out all night are sound asleep in their beds. While the men that were being held with Victoria Barkley are sound asleep in the small room inside the log cabin, Sherry, the girls as well as Noah are in the kitchen there fixing lunch for the men that have all returned from their mission of searching for Mrs. Barkley.
Stockton
After returning from town and taking care of the wagon and horses Bobby goes inside the bunkhouse where he catches sight of Ron who is about to sit down and have a bite to eat.
Joining in, “Well,” Bobby then asks, “How did it go?”
Smiling, “Went very well,” Ron informs him.
“I take it,” Bobby surmises, “She said yes.”
Watching him as he is now grinning from ear to ear, “She said yes,” Ron states.
Slapping him playfully on the arm “Good going” Bobby congratulating him says “You made a wise choice. She’s a very nice young lady and if I didn’t have Nancy already, I wouldn’t have mind taking a chance on her myself.”
“Thank you,” Ron replies.
San Francisco-Log Cabin
Once the men have been served their lunch which consists of a variety of finger sandwiches, cole slaw, a tossed salad as well as pudding, hot coffee and tea, Sherry and the children exit the cabin and head for their house.
While they eat they start conversing on what took place and exchange what they ran into along the way while they were out looking for Mrs. Barkley.
“Could someone tell me who or” Don asks “Where those men in that room” pointing to the small room off the big room from where they’re sitting “Came from? They weren’t in there when we went out this morning and they certainly didn’t come here with us? And they weren’t sleeping in there before because if they had or were we would’ve saw them and known about them.”
“That is true,” Oscar states, “We would have.”
“They came here,” Austin says, “Or should I say brought here courtesy of Mrs. Barkley.”
“How’s that?” Joe wanted to know.
“They were being held” Austin mentions “In one of the buildings that were holding Mrs. Barkley hostage. When she was freed and rescued, so were they and she brought them back here with her.”
“Interesting,” Joe retorts.
“How’s the arm?” Johnny asks of Jim who answers, “Sore,” moving it, “But otherwise alright.”
“What happened?” Mike inquires.
“Thanks to Heath,” Jim replies, “I am here to talk about it.”
“What did he do?” Hank asks.
“While we were trying to deliver the ransom money” Johnny answers “The kidnapper was just about to shoot Jim when Heath came by and as he saw the gun being brought up he just leapt into action. He quickly saved Jim from being hit and upon doing so they both went straight inside of the glass of a Chinese Tea House’s window.”
“Yes,” Jack mentions, “If it hadn’t been for Heath and his perfect timing Jim just might not be sitting here right now to talk about it.”
“No, either that,” Vinnie says, “Or he just might be fighting for his life right now instead of the Chinese Woman who is recovering at the doctor’s as we speak.”
“Yes,” Johnny replies, “Instead of nurturing a few cuts that they both sustained when they collided with the glass he could very well be heading for his grave right about now.
“Agreed,” Jack mentions.
“So,” Mike brings up, “Heath got you out of the way of the bullet?”
“Yes,” Jim replies.
“Just in the nick of time too,” Johnny reiterates “He somehow just came by at the right moment and made a beeline for Jim and as the kidnapper was aiming his gun Heath saw him and quickly sprung into action and both he and Jim collided with the glass of the Chinese Tea House’s window and unfortunately the bullet that was meant for Jim wound up hitting the Chinese woman instead.”
Hank asks, “Is she alright?”
“She will be,” Jim says “But everything did happen so quickly that even though I do thank Heath for what he did, I sure wish he would’ve just called out instead and then perhaps he would’ve saved himself from getting cut from the glass in the process.”
“There wasn’t enough time,” Vinnie states.
“At that specific moment,” Johnny notes, “He wasn’t thinking. Everything did happen so quickly. One minute you were getting ready to move to find the next set of instructions that you didn’t even see him appearing out of nowhere and Heath coming down the street did and he just reacted. And if Heath didn’t do what he did you just may not be sitting here now.”
“I know! I could never thank Heath enough for what he did, but” Jim sighing responds, “Thankfully he is alright and the Chinese woman will be as well.”
Don asks, “What happened to the kidnapper?”
“Oh,” Johnny replies, “After Heath and Jim went inside the tea house Nick took after him.”
“He didn’t stand a chance,” Vinnie notes.
“That would be Nick,” Barrett retorts.
“True,” Johnny says.
“Fortunately,” Jack notes, “Everything turned out alright. Mrs. Barkley was found and rescued long before you went out to probably deliver the ransom.”
“Just about,” Austin says.
“And,” Jack adds, “Nick did keep his word on his promise that if things were to change he would make certain you were to know and they did just that.”
“True,” Jim replies, “Nick is as he said true to his word. There is no denying that.”
“Indeed not” Johnny notes “So how was it or should I say who was it that found Mrs. Barkley?”
“In a way,” Oscar brings up, “Gene did.”
“Gene did?” Jim asks, “He’s here?”
“Yes,” Oscar answers, “And so is Audra.”
“How did they get here?” Jim asks.
“That I don’t know,” Oscar says, “But from what I know while we were all asleep and before we went out to look for Mrs. Barkley, Gene went out with the boys that are at the Dentons’ there,” pointing, “And while going down Mission Street they made their way to one of the back alleyways to where she was being held captive.”
“And when we got there,” Austin adds, “From what we saw and gathered there was some kind of battle that occurred and after Mrs. Barkley was rescued they went back to the ranch where they are now asleep.”
“What time did you get back?” Johnny wanted to know.
“We got back,” Austin answers, “Just a little while ago.”
“Oh?” Johnny asks, “How did that come to be?”
“After finding Mrs. Barkley,” Oscar mentions, “Nick had us go to see if we could track down the rest of you to tell you to disengage with the mission.”
“But upon doing so,” Austin brings up, “We wound up finding Sam and Chris which eventually led us to where Davy and Chad were.”
“How did that come to be?” Jim inquires.
“We heard music,” Austin mentions.
“Music” Hank asks.
“Yes,” Austin replies, “And as we got closer to the street it was coming from we ran into Sam and Chris who were coming down the other street and thankfully it led us to the saloon where we found Davy and Chad at.”
“And,” Chris mentions, “Not a moment too soon.”
“What’s that suppose to mean?” Johnny asks.
“Just what I said” glancing over at Davy and Chad “Tell them what you did” Chris says.
“It may be best,” Davy brings up, “If Chad told it.”
Pointing to himself “Me,” Chad argues, “Davy, you tell them what you did.”
“I didn’t do it,” Davy disputes, “You did it.”
“But you got it moving,” Chad says.
“No,” Davy replies, “You did.”
“Will one of you tell us what happened?” Don says.
“Go on, Davy,” Chad urges.
Exhaling heavily “Very well” Davy says “It may be best to start at the beginning.”
“That is usually the best,” Hank notes.
“Especially for those who just got here,” Jim states.
“As we proceeded down Pine Street,” Davy says, “We began hearing the music as well and so we decided to see where it was coming from and as we got closer it led us to a saloon called Alfredo’s.”
“That is how” Sam replies “We came to get there ourselves. We kept following it and upon doing so we met up with Oscar and Austin who were doing the same thing to which eventually brought us to the saloon where it came from. ”
“As we came up to Alfredo’s,” Chad points out, “The music stopped. There was a man in black who was watching us as we were coming up the street and went inside to tell his buddies and as we walked in we had all these men eying us.”
“Watching us with a great deal of interest,” Davy brings up.
“What do you mean?” Johnny asks.
“They were sizing us up,” Chad mentions, “And if it hadn’t been for Davy, as well as the quick arrival of Sam, Chris, Austin and Oscar we just may still be there.”
“They came very close,” Sam brings up, “To being shanghaied if the turns of events did not happen.”
“What do you mean by that?” Pete asks.
“Just what I said” Sam mentions “They almost got themselves shanghaied” as he looks to them.
tbc
