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diff --git a/old/22666-h.htm.2021-01-25 b/old/22666-h.htm.2021-01-25 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..973c8f6 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/22666-h.htm.2021-01-25 @@ -0,0 +1,6240 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Rainy Day Railroad War, by Holman Day + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rainy Day Railroad War, by Holman Day + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Rainy Day Railroad War + +Author: Holman Day + +Release Date: September 18, 2007 [EBook #22666] +Last Updated: March 8, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAINY DAY RAILROAD WAR *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE RAINY DAY RAILROAD WAR + </h1> + <h2> + By Holman Day <br /> <br /> 1906 + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" alt="Frontispiece " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <big><b>THE RAINY DAY RAILROAD WAR</b></big> + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER ONE—THE TRYING-OUT OF ONE RODNEY + PARKER, ASSISTANT ENGINEER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER TWO—THE WHIM THAT PROJECTED THE + FAMOUS “POQUETTE CARRY RAILROAD” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER THREE—ENGINEER PARKER GETS FINAL + ORDERS FOR “THE LAND OF THE GIDEONITES.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER FOUR—IN WHICH THE DOUGHTY “SWAMP + SWOGON” ASTONISHES SUNKHAZE SETTLEMENT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER FIVE—HOW COLONEL GIDEON WAS + BACKED DOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS LIFE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER SIX—IN WHICH “THE CAT-HERMIT OF + MOXIE” CASTS HIS SHADOW LONG BEFORE HIM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER SEVEN—HOW “THE FRESH-WATER + CORSAIRS” CAME TO SUNKHAZE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER EIGHT—THE LOCOMOTIVE THAT WENT + SWIMMING AND THE ENGINEER WHO WAS STOLEN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER NINE—UP THE WINDING WAY TO THE + “OGRE OF THE BIG WOODS.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER TEN—THE WANGAN DUEL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER ELEVEN—THE BEAR THAT WALKED LIKE + A MAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER TWELVE—THE STRANGE “CAT-HERMIT OF + MOXIE” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER THIRTEEN—THE BEAR OF THE BIG + WOODS “BAITED” AFTER HIS OWN FASHION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER FOURTEEN—HOW RODNEY PARKER PAID + AN HONEST DEBT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER FIFTEEN—THE DAY WHEN POQUETTE + BURST WIDE OPEN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER SIXTEEN—THE PACT THAT OPENED + RODNEY PARKER'S PROFESSIONAL FUTURE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>Illustrations</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0001"> Cover </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0002"> Frontispiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0003"> Then he Fell to Chuckling 049-050 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0004"> Then the Great Idea Frontispiece </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0005"> Appearance of an Enraged Polar Bear 078-100 + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0006"> A Dim White Hulk Seemed to Hover 117-140 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0007"> Colonel Ward Stamped in 149-174 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0008"> Every Inch of his Skin Was Being Tortured + 197-224 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0009"> Listen to the Story of a Scoundrel 216-246 + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkimage-0010"> Parker Give Me Your Hand Again 254-286 </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE RAINY DAY RAILROAD WAR + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ONE—THE TRYING-OUT OF ONE RODNEY PARKER, ASSISTANT ENGINEER + </h2> + <p> + All at once the stump-dotted, rocky hillside became clamorous and + animated. From the little shacks sheathed with tarred paper, from the + sodded huts, from burrows sunk into the hillside men suddenly came popping + out with shrill cries. + </p> + <p> + Three men, shouldering surveying instruments, stopped in their tracks on + the freshly-heaped soil of a new railroad embankment, and gazed up at the + hillside. The railroad skirted its foot and the sudden activity on the + slope was in full view. “Your lambs seem to be blatting around the + fodder-rack once more, Parker,” observed the man who lugged the transit. + He was a thin, elderly man and his tone was somewhat satirical. + </p> + <p> + The men were running toward a common center, uttering cries in shrill + staccato and sounding like yelping dogs. + </p> + <p> + Parker drove the spurs of his tripod into the soft soil and stared up at + the hillside, his tanned brow puckering with apprehension. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think there's much of the lamb to that rush,” observed the third + man; “they sound to me more like hyenas after raw meat.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be Dominick they'll eat, then,” said the elderly man. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid you put the Old Harry into 'em last week when you took their + part and straightened out Dominick's bill of fare,” he went on. “They + probably think they can get quail on toast now if they yap for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe in letting dagoes fight it out among themselves,” announced the + third man with much derision. “Helping one of 'em is like picking a hornet + out of a puddle. You'll get stung while doing it.” + </p> + <p> + The men on the hillside had knotted themselves into a jostling group + before the door of a long, low structure sheathed with tarred paper like + the shacks. In the sunshine an occasional glint flashed above their heads. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, their stingers are out,” remarked the elderly man drily. “If they've + got Dominick cornered in that eating camp I'm thinking this will be the + day that he'll get his——whatever it is, they've laid up for + him.” + </p> + <p> + “He promised me there should be no more weevils and no more spoiled meat,” + cried the one who had been addressed as Parker, a young man whose earnest + face now expressed deep trouble. “As matters were going, those Italians + were half starved and doing hardly half a day's work in nine hours. Their + padrone was putting the food rake-off into his own pocket.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not backing up Dominick,” said the other. “But when you took the + men's part and laid down the law to him on the grub question you gave them + their cue for general rebellion. Ten chances to one the padrone has done + as he agreed. I reckon you scared him enough for that. Now they're + probably around with knives looking for napkins and sparkling red wine. I + tell you, Parker, you're inviting trouble when you go to boosting up what + you call the oppressed multitude.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a pretty hard view to take of the world and the people in it, Mr. + Searles,” replied the youth. “There ought to be a bit of merit and + encouragement in a man's going out of his way to right a wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Parker, I'm hired as construction engineer on the P. K. & R. + railroad system and I've worked for the road a good many years and found + that I get along best when I am attending strictly to my own business in + my own line. I told you at the time you butted into that dago row you were + laying up trouble either for yourself or for some one else—and I + guess it's some one else.” + </p> + <p> + A series of pistol shots popped smartly on the hillside, the reports + partly muffled by the thin walls of the shack. The cries of the men + outside became shrieks. The next instant the side wall bellied outward and + then burst asunder. A man came hustling through the opening, evidently + self-propelled, for he struck lightly on his feet and began to run down + the steep hill. A soiled canvas apron fluttered at his waist. Stones + rained after him. The knot of men at the door scattered like quicksilver + and howling runners pursued him. + </p> + <p> + Probably fear helped him as much as agility, for he kept well ahead of the + rout, leaped a low fence at the bottom of the hill, scurried across a + little valley and came floundering up the soft soil of the railroad + embankment, scrambling toward the little group of engineers. + </p> + <p> + “It's Dominick,” said Searles. “There seems to be a little more work cut + out for you in your side line of philanthropist.” + </p> + <p> + “I do it whatta you say,” screamed the man as his head came over the edge + of the embankment. “Nice! Good! All good to eat. But they want mucha more—too + mucha!” + </p> + <p> + He struck himself repeated blows on the breast with one fist and pointed + with the other hand at the men who came swarming up the side of the graded + road bed. + </p> + <p> + “You coma look—look to the nice br-read, meat all good, beer—plenty + much to eat, dr-rink!” the padrone gasped in appeal, as he circled about + Parker to put him between the rioters and himself. + </p> + <p> + The men who came after, screaming and cursing, jerking their arms above + their heads, rolling back their lips from their yellow teeth, were + apparently so many lunatics whose frenzy was not to be stayed. But + undisciplined natures whose excesses spring from lack of self control are + all the more ready to respond to the masterful control of others. + </p> + <p> + First of all the men recognized in Parker the champion who had won their + first rights from the padrone. + </p> + <p> + They stopped their shrill vituperation and, crowding about him, began to + bleat their explanations and appeals. But he threw out his arms, pushed + them back a safe distance from the panting Dominick and roared them into + silence, brandishing his fists, as he would have quelled a noisy school. + </p> + <p> + When they understood that he wished them to be quiet they were silent, all + leaning forward, their eyes shining, their lips apart, their fists + clinched as tho they were holding their tongues in leash by that means, + their dark, brown faces alight with wistful, almost palpitating eagerness. + The regard they fixed on his face was baleful in its intentness. + </p> + <p> + “Looka what they do,” yelled Dominick rushing to his side. He had stripped + his sleeve back from his arm. Blood was trickling from a knife gash. + </p> + <p> + Then the tumult broke out again from the crowd. Two men leaped forward + shaking their hats in their hands and screaming assertions and pointing + quivering fingers at bullet holes in the crowns. + </p> + <p> + “Shut up!” barked the young man. The presence of the satiric and + unsympathetic old engineer nerved him to settle the dispute, if he might. + The hint from the other that he had been meddling in what was outside his + business gave him an uncomfortable sense of responsibility. + </p> + <p> + “About face and back to the camp,” he shouted. “I will look at your dinner + and we shall see!” + </p> + <p> + They hesitated a moment, but he went among them, pushing them down the + bank. + </p> + <p> + He followed with the padrone behind the jabbering throng, and the two + engineers came along at his earnest request. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Searles,” said Parker after a little while, as they walked side by + side, “being an older and wiser man than I am you are probably right in + suggesting that I did wrong in interfering in this affair at the outset. + But,” he half-chuckled, “I am going to lay the blame on my professor in + sociology. He set me to thinking pretty hard in college and I guess I + haven't been out from under his influence long enough to get hardened into + the selfish views of my fellowman.” + </p> + <p> + There was earnestness under his smile. + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” said the elder, “I am not blaming you for what you have done for + the poor devils. But I have been all for business in my life. Business + hasn't seemed to mix well with philanthropy. I haven't dared to think of + what I ought to do. I have thought only of what I had to do, to earn a + living for my family.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Parker, “if the P. K. & R. folks decide that I've been + meddling in matters that are none of my business I have no family to + suffer for my indiscretion—but I have prospects and I know that a + discharged man is worse off than a man who has started.” + </p> + <p> + The elder man patted Parker's arm. + </p> + <p> + “As it stands now—and I'm speaking as a friend, young man, and not + as a captious critic—you have set this Italian camp all askew by + giving them countenance in the first place. They haven't any regulators in + their heads, you see! When you're feeding charity to that kind of ruck + you've got to be careful Parker, that they don't trample you down when + they rush for the trough.” + </p> + <p> + The young man walked along up the hillside in silence. But just as they + arrived in front of the long camp the scowl of puzzled hesitation + disappeared from his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “As old Uncle Flanders used to say,” he muttered, “'When a man sticks his + finger into a tight knot-hole he'd better pull it out mighty quick, before + it swells, even if he does leave some skin on the edges.'” + </p> + <p> + The men halted and grouped themselves about the door. Their eager looks + and nudgings of each other showed plainly that they expected their + champion to take up their cause against the padrone once more. + </p> + <p> + Dominick prudently halted at a little distance. + </p> + <p> + “You go look for yourself, Sir Engineer,” he shouted; “on the kettle, in + the table all about and you see whatta I feed to those beasts when I try + to satisfy.” + </p> + <p> + The men retorted in shrill chorus leaping about and gesticulating till + their joints snapped. + </p> + <p> + Parker resolutely pushed through the throng without trying to understand + what they were saying to him and slammed the door in the faces of the few + who attempted to crowd in with him. Those who anxiously peered through the + windows saw him examine the food set out on the table for the noon meal, + lift the covers from the stew pans on the rusty stove and then pass into + the little building behind the main camp. The great stone ovens for the + bread-baking were located there. + </p> + <p> + When at last he came out he faced them with grim visage, squared the + shoulders that had borne many a football assault and called to Dominick. + </p> + <p> + “Go inside,” he said, “and coax those two helpers of yours out of those + ovens. They couldn't understand my Italian. Tell them that they are safe. + Let the padrone through, men! Do you hear?” + </p> + <p> + The crowd sullenly parted and Dominick trotted up the lane they left, + hastening with apprehensive shruggings of his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Go about your work,” said Parker, clutching his arm a moment as the + padrone hastened past. “I can see it isn't your fault this time.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, men,” he cried, turning to the throng, “few words and short so that + you may all understand. Dominick's dinner is good. Good as any in the line + boarding camps. I'm going to eat here. You come in and eat too.” + </p> + <p> + A mumbling began among them and immediately it swelled into a jabbering + chorus as the few who understood translated his words to the others. + </p> + <p> + He leaped down off the muddy stoop and strode among them, cuffing this one + and that of those malcontents who were noisiest. + </p> + <p> + “That young man certainly understands dago nature,” muttered Searles to + the other engineer. “A club, good grit and a hard fist will drive them + when a machine gun wouldn't.” + </p> + <p> + “I stood up for you when you were not used right,” shouted the young man. + “He has given you what I told him to give you—what you asked for. Go + in there and get it.” + </p> + <p> + He knew who the ring-leaders in the mutiny were and he drove those into + the camp first. The others followed. In five minutes they were all at + their places at table munching quietly. Another man, even with equal + determination, might have not succeeded. But the greediest grumbler among + them understood that this young man had first been as valiant to secure + their rights as he was now ready to curb their rebellion. + </p> + <p> + In his own heart he was loathing this role of arbiter and mentor. His + first interference had come out of his natural sense of justice. He had + pitied this herd of men who had been so helplessly appealing against their + wrongs. + </p> + <p> + As he stood at one end of the room now and gazed at them, he realized with + a little pang of self-reproach that his latest exploit had been prompted + by as much of a desire to set himself right with the company as to square + the padrone's critical case. + </p> + <p> + Later, when they were trudging down the hill together Searles said with a + little touch of malice, + </p> + <p> + “For a philanthropist, Parker, you seem to relish rough-house about as + well as any one I ever saw, I've heard for a long time that football makes + prizefighters out of college boys—so much so that they go looking + for trouble. Is that so?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you'd let the matter drop, Mr. Searles,” said the young man. “I'm + thoroughly ashamed of the whole thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I was going to say,” went on the elderly man, “that civil engineers + in these days get just as good wages without being shoulder-hitters. + You'll get along faster on the peace basis.” + </p> + <p> + That was Parker's reflection two days later when he was in the room of the + chief engineer of the P. K. & R. system, at the company's general + offices. + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” said the chief, after his subordinate had finished his + regular report, “Mr. Jerrard wishes to see you.” + </p> + <p> + Jerrard was general traffic manager and chief executive. + </p> + <p> + The young engineer went slowly down the long corridor, apprehension + gnawing at his heart. He huskily muttered his name to the clerk at the + grilled door and was admitted. He fairly dragged his feet along the strip + of matting that led to the general manager's private office. It was like + the Bridge of Sighs to him. + </p> + <p> + “Parker, eh?” repeated the general manager, whirling in his chair and + letting his eyeglasses drop against his plump “front elevation,” as Parker + whimsically termed it in his thoughts, even in this moment of his + distress. + </p> + <p> + Jerrard gazed at him for a little while, a rather curious expression in + his eyes under their shaggy gray brows, then whirled back to his desk and + scrabbled among his papers. He drew forth a sheet of memoranda, gave + Parker another shrewd glance and inquired: + </p> + <p> + “Is it true, sir, that you have been interfering in the padrone system of + the construction department?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose what I did might be termed that, tho I wasn't intending to be + meddlesome, Mr. Jerrard.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing in general instructions, was there, to lead a cub assistant in + the engineering corps to revise a boarding house bill of fare?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I find it further mentioned that you were back next day and herded about + seventy-five Italians into a victualling camp as you would drive steers to + a fodder rack. Don't you know that we reserve that sort of business for a + squad of police?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jerrard,” said the young man, recovering some of his self-possession + tho his tone was apologetic, “since I have been on the road I saw what + happened once when the police came with their clubs and revolvers. There + was a free fight and two men were killed. I thought I saw a chance for one + man to arbitrate a little difficulty—and arbitration is pretty + highly recommended in these days by good authorities. When I found that + arbitration didn't make things stay put I meddled once more in order to + undo my first mistake—if we may call it that. It probably was a + mistake, looked at officially. But you see—” his voice faltered a + little, for the manager was surveying him with rather a hard look in his + eyes, “I hoped that putting the padrone into line on his food question + would prevent a strike; when I drove the men to table I had only the + interests of the road at heart, for the strike was then fairly on.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the manager, a bit of a smile at the corners of his mouth, + “you certainly were not thinking very hard of your own interests when you + went into that rabid gang.” + </p> + <p> + “I can see that I made a botch of it generally, Mr. Jerrard. I will save + you the trouble of requesting my resignation.” + </p> + <p> + But as he bowed and turned Jerrard spoke sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Not so fast, young man,” he said. “As the executive of the P. K. & R, + system it wouldn't be exactly official and proper in me to approve your + judgment in that matter of the Italians; but as a man—plain man, + now, you understand,—I know grit when I see it and—” he + dropped his bluff stiffness got out of his chair and came along and + squeezed Parker's muscular arm, “you've got a brand of it that I admire. + Yes, I do. No mistake! But that is just between you and me. That is simply + my own personal opinion. I don't believe the directors relish the idea of + gladiators in the engineering corps. Just respect this little private hint + of mine hereafter please.” + </p> + <p> + He surveyed the young man with twinkling and appreciative eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Parker,” he said, “once in a while there comes up in the railroad + business a demand for a man who has brains and spunk and muscle all rolled + up in one bundle. I haven't tested you out yet on the first named but the + chief engineer speaks in your behalf. The last two you certainly have. + There's the story of a man who was going home late at night and picked up + what he thought was a kitten and found it to be a pole-cat. It was good + judgment to set it down again mighty sudden. But the skin was worth + something and he resolved to have the skin to pay for the damage. Now + President Whittaker and myself have been up in the north woods this season—among + the big game, you understand. We picked up what we thought was a kitten. + It has turned out to be something else. But we are not going to drop it.” + </p> + <p> + The young engineer was looking at him with puzzled gaze. + </p> + <p> + “You don't understand a bit of it, do you?” laughed the traffic manager. + “Well, I can't explain the thing just yet. I'll simply leave it this way + today: Do you want to take a pole-cat and skin it for us? I don't mean by + that that it's a job that any enterprising young man should be ashamed or + afraid of. It's a job in your line. It's something of close personal + interest to the president of this system and myself. It is going to take + you away into the big woods. Do you want it—yes or no?” + </p> + <p> + The engineer hesitated only a moment. + </p> + <p> + “I'll take it,” he said simply. + </p> + <p> + “That's the boy!” cried Jerrard. His tone was so enthusiastic that + Parker's instinct told him that this bluff offer was another test of his + readiness in an emergency and had succeeded. + </p> + <p> + The manager put his hand against his shoulder and gently pushed him out of + the office. + </p> + <p> + “Get ready for a cold winter out of doors and practice your tongue on the + names To-quette Carry' and 'Colonel Gideon Ward' until you are not afraid + of the sound of them.” + </p> + <p> + With a chuckle he shut the door on the astonished young man, but opened it + again before Parker had moved from the mat outside. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be worried, my boy, because I cannot explain the whole situation + today.” There was kindly reassurance in his tones. “You'll make out all + right, I'm sure of that.” A queer little smile puckered the corners of his + eyes and his voice again became teasing. “The idea is, you've taken a + contract to do up the Gideonites of the Wilderness in a lone-handed job. + But I think you're good for the trick.” He shut the door again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWO—THE WHIM THAT PROJECTED THE FAMOUS “POQUETTE CARRY + RAILROAD” + </h2> + <p> + Weeks passed before Rodney Parker got any more light on the matter in + which he had blindly given his word. + </p> + <p> + He understood this silence better when the situation was set before him at + last. There are some projects that captains of industry dilate upon with + pride. But big men are cautious about letting the world know their whims. + And whims that lead to exasperating complications that no business + judgment has provided for, do not form pleasant topics for conversation or + publicity. + </p> + <p> + Many railroad projects have been launched, some of them unique, but never + before was enterprise conceived in just the spirit that gave the Poquette + Carry Railway to the transportation world. There have been railroads that + “began somewhere and ended in a sheep pasture.” The Poquette Carry Road, + known to the legislature of its state as “The Rainy-Day Railroad,” is even + more indifferently located, for it twists for six miles, from water to + water, through as tangled and lonely a wilderness as ever owl hooted in. + </p> + <p> + Yet it has two of the country's railroad kings behind it and at its + inception some very wrathful lumber kings were ahead of it, and the final + and decisive battle that was fought was between the champions of the + respective sides—an old man and a young one. + </p> + <p> + The old man had all the opinionated conservatism of one who despises new + methods and modern progress as “hifalutin and new-fangled notions.” The + young man, fresh from a school of technology and just completing an + apprenticeship under the engineers of a big railroad system, had not an + old-fashioned idea. + </p> + <p> + The old man came roaring from the deep woods, choleric, impatient of + opposition, and flaming with the rage of a tyrant who is bearded in his + own stronghold for the first time. The young man advanced from the city to + meet him with the coolness of one who has been taught to restrain his + emotions, and armed with determination to win the battle that would make + or break him, so far as his employers were concerned. + </p> + <p> + Jerrard was the avant-courier of this novel railroad. Jerrard had been + traffic-manager of the great P. K. & R. system for many years, and + when he grew bilious and “blue” and very disagreeable, the doctor told him + to go back into the woods so far that he would not think about tariff or + rebates or competition for two months. + </p> + <p> + Jerrard chose Kennegamon Lake. A New England general passenger-agent whom + he had met at a convention told him about that wilderness gem, and lauded + it with a certain attractiveness of detail that made Jerrard anxious to + test the veracity of New England railroad men, whose “fishin'-story” + folders he had always doubted with professional scepticism. + </p> + <p> + The journey by rail was a long one, and it afforded leisure for so much + cogitation that when Jerrard napped he dreamed that the ends of his nerves + were nailed to his desk back in the P. K. & R. general offices, and + that as he proceeded he was unreeling them as a spider spins its thread. + </p> + <p> + When he left the train at Sunkhaze station he was still worrying as to + whether the assistant traffic-manager would be able to beat the O. & + O. road on the grain contract. In thinking it over about a month later it + occurred to him that he had dropped all outside affairs right there on + that station platform. + </p> + <p> + In the first place the mosquitoes and black flies were waiting. He had + never seen or felt black flies before. He would have scouted the idea that + there were insects no bigger than pinheads that in five minutes would have + his face streaming with blood. + </p> + <p> + “They do just love the taste of city sports,” said the guide. “We old + sanups ain't much of a delicacy 'long side of such as you. Here, let me + put this on.” He daubed the white face of the city man with an + evil-smelling compound of tar and oil. + </p> + <p> + Jerrard's mind was rapidly freeing itself from transportation worries. + Then came the long paddle across Spinnaker Lake, with only the unfamiliar + insecurity of a canoe beneath him, and after that the six-mile Poquette + carry. + </p> + <p> + By this time Jerrard had forgotten the P. K. & R. entirely. + </p> + <p> + The canoe and duffel went across the carry slung upon a set of wheels. + Jerrard rode in the low-backed middle seat of a muddy buck-board. + </p> + <p> + The wheels ran against boulders, grated off with indignant “chuckering” of + axle-boxes, hobbled over stumps and plowed through “honey-pots” of mud. + </p> + <p> + “For goodness' sake,” gasped Jerrard, holding desperately to the seat, + “why don't you get into the road?” + </p> + <p> + The driver, a French-Canadian turned and displayed an appreciative grin. + </p> + <p> + “Eet ban de ro'd vat you saw de re,” he explained, pointing his whip to + the thoroughfare they were pursuing. + </p> + <p> + “This a road?” demanded Jerrard, with indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Oui, eet ban a tote-road.” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard of this kind before,” ejaculated Jerrard, between bumps, + “but the name 'road' ought not to be disgraced in any such fashion. How + much of it is there?” + </p> + <p> + “Sax mal'.” + </p> + <p> + “Six miles! All like this?” + </p> + <p> + “Aw-w-w some pretty well, some as much bad.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know just what you mean,” muttered Jerrard, “but I fear I + can imagine.” After what seemed a long interval, and when Jerrard, dizzied + by the bumps and the curves, believed that the end must be near,—for + six miles are but an inconsiderable item to the traffic-manager of a + thousand-mile system,—he asked how far they had come. The driver + looked at the trees. “Wan mal', mabbee, an' some leetle more.” The + railroad man opened his mouth to make a discourteous retort reflecting on + the driver's judgment of distances, but just then one of the rear wheels + slipped off a rock. It came down kerchunk. Jerrard bit his cheek and his + tongue. After that he sat and held to his seat with a hopeless idea that + the end of the road was running away from them. + </p> + <p> + Half-way through the woods he bought two fat doughnuts and a piece of + apple pie at a wayside log house. He munched his humble fare with a gusto + he had not known for years. The jolting, the shaking, the tossing had + started his sluggish blood and cleared his business-befogged brain. His + food was spiced with the aroma of the hemlocks, and when they took to the + road again he began to hum tunes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/050.jpg" alt="Then he Fell to Chuckling 049-050 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Then he fell to chuckling. And when a smooth stretch suffered him to + unclasp his cramped hold, he slapped his leg mirthfully. He was thinking + what President Whittaker of the P. K. & R. would be saying in two + weeks. + </p> + <p> + President Whittaker was a rotund, flabby man, whom long indulgence in + rubber-tired broughams and double-springed private cars had softened until + he reminded one of a fat down pillow. + </p> + <p> + “Jerrard,” he had said, at parting, “if you find good fishing I'll follow + you in two weeks. I need a little outdoor relaxation myself.” + </p> + <p> + Jerrard sent an enthusiastic letter right back by the tote-road driver. He + took the word of his guide about the fishing in prospect. In his new and + ebullient spirits he felt that he could hardly wait two weeks for the + spectacle—Whittaker in the middle seat of a buck-board, on that + six-mile carry road. And when the day came, Jerrard, now bronzed, alert + and agile walked out over the Poquette Carry, paddled down to Sunkhaze, + and received his superior with open arms. + </p> + <p> + The unconsciousness of the corpulent Whittaker as he left the train, spick + and span in tweed and polished shoes appealed to Jerrard's sense of the + ludicrous so acutely that the president, following the baggage-laden guide + down to the shore of the lake, stopped and looked at his friend with + puzzled gaze. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Jerrard, you seem to be in a good humor.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing like the ozone of the forest to make you sparkle,” chuckled the + traffic-manager. + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary to describe the incidents of the trip across the lake, + the apprehensive flinching of the fat president whenever the canoe + lurched, and his fear of breaking through the bottom of the frail shell. + </p> + <p> + But when they were well out on the carry road in the buckboard, Jerrard, + gazing on the indescribable mixture of reproach, horror, pain and + astonishment that the president's face presented laughed until Whittaker + forgot dignity, cares and fears, and laughed, too. + </p> + <p> + Two days later, as they were eating their lunch beside the famous spring + in the north cove of Kennemagon Whittaker stretched himself luxuriously on + the gray moss, and said; + </p> + <p> + “Jerrard, it's an earthly paradise! I never had such fishing, never saw + such scenery. I want to come here every summer. I'd like to buy a tract + here. But that six-mile drive—O dear me! It makes me shiver when I + think I've got to bump back over it in two weeks.” + </p> + <p> + That evening one Rowe, a timber-land exploring prospector, whose + employment was locating tracts for the cutting of pulp stuff, stopped at + the camp and accepted hospitality for the night. After supper the three + lay in their bunks and chatted, while the guide pottered about the + household tasks. + </p> + <p> + “Much travel over the Poquette Carry?” asked Whittaker. + </p> + <p> + “Good deal,” said Rowe. “It's the thoroughfare between the West Branch and + Spinnaker, you know. All the men for the woods leave the train at + Sunkhaze, boat it across Spinnaker, and walk the carry at Poquette. All + the supplies for the camp come that way, too. They bateau goods up the + river from the West Branch end of the carry.” + </p> + <p> + “Why doesn't some one fix that road?” asked the president. “Looks to me as + if they had brought rocks and thrown them into the trail just to make it + worse.” + </p> + <p> + “It's all wild lands hereabouts,” explained the prospector. “The county + commissioners lay out the roads and the landowners are supposed to build + them, but they don't. Timber-land owners don't like roads through their + woods, anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “I see they don't,” replied Whittaker dryly. “What did you pay, Jerrard, + for having your canoe and truck carried across?” + </p> + <p> + “Fifteen dollars for the duffel, and four dollars each for the guide, + myself and you.” + </p> + <p> + “How's that for a tariff?” laughed the president. Then he took out his + pencil and book and put a series of interrogations to Rowe. At the close + he pondered a while, and said to Jerrard: + </p> + <p> + “According to our friend here, at least five thousand men cross that carry + each year, making ten thousand through fares one way. Supplies—pressed + hay, grain, foodstuffs and all that sort of freight—from ten to + fifteen thousand tons. Then there's the sportsman traffic, which could be + built up indefinitely if there were suitable transportation conveniences + here. Say, Jerrard, do you know there's a fine place for a six-mile + narrow-gage railroad right there on Poquette Carry? You and I didn't come + down here looking up railroad possibilities, but really this thing strikes + me favorably. Slow time and not very expensive equipment, but think what a + convenience! It will also give you and me an excuse to come down here + summers, eh?” he added, humorously. + </p> + <p> + “We'll establish a colony here on Kennemagon,” suggested Jerrard, half in + jest, “and start a land boom.” + </p> + <p> + “Seriously,” went on Whittaker “the more I talk about that little road the + more I am convinced it would pay a very good dividend. You and I can swing + it. We can use some P. K. & R. rails, fix up one of those narrow-gage + shifters they used on the grain spur, and have a railroad while you wait. + If we only clear enough to pay our own passage twice a year we'll be doing + fairly well. And I'll be willing to pass dividends for the sake of riding + from Spinnaker to the West Branch on a car-seat instead of a buckboard. + Say, Rowe,” he went on, jocosely, “I suppose they'll have a mass-meeting + and pass votes of thanks to Jerrard and myself if we put that project + through, won't they?” + </p> + <p> + Rowe squinted his eye along the sliver he was whittling. “I don't know of + any one specially that's hankering for railroad-lines round here,” said + he. + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to tell me that abomination of stones and muck-holes suits + the public, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “I know the folks I work for don't want to have it a mite smoother than it + is. They're the public that's running this part of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Here's a brand-new thing in transportation ideas, Jerrard!” cried the + president of the P. K. &R. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing strange about our side of it,” said the prospector. “The people I + work for own more than a million acres of timber land for feeding their + pulp-mills, and the more city sports there are hanging round on the tracts + and building fires, the more danger of a big blaze catching somewhere. And + railroads bring sports. You don't hear of any lumbermen grumbling about + the Poquette carry.” + </p> + <p> + “I should say, then, this section should have a little enterprise shaken + into it,” said Whittaker, tartly. This promised opposition promptly fired + his modern spirit of progress. + </p> + <p> + After he and his manager had returned to their duties in the city, the + surprising word began to go about the district that next year there would + be a railroad across Poquette carry. When the rumor was traced to Rowe, he + found himself in for a good deal of rough badinage for allowing two city + sportsmen to “guy” him. + </p> + <p> + The postmaster at Sunkhaze was a subscriber to a daily paper, every word + of which he read. One day, among the inconspicuous notices of “New + Corporations,” he found this paragraph: + </p> + <p> + “Poquette Carry Railway Company, organized for the purpose of constructing + and operating a line of railroad between Spinnaker Lake and West Branch + River. President, G. Howard Whittaker; vice-president and general manager, + George P. Jerrard; secretary and treasurer, A. L. Bevan. Capital stock + $100,000; $5,000 paid in.” + </p> + <p> + After the postmaster had read that twice, he strode out of his little pen. + Men in larrigans and leggings were huddled round the stove, for the autumn + crispness comes early in the mountains. The postmaster's eye singled out + Seth Bowers, the guide. + </p> + <p> + “Say, Seth,” he inquired, “wa'n't your sports last summer named Whittaker + and Jerrard—the men ye had in on the Kennemagon waters?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you boys listen to this,” and the postmaster read the item with + unction. + </p> + <p> + “Looks 's if they were going ahead, and as if there wasn't so much wind to + it, after all,” observed one of the party. + </p> + <p> + “That Poquette Carry road hasn't been touched by shovel or pick for more + than three years, and I don't believe that Col. Gid Ward and his crowd + ever intend to hire another day's work on it. Colonel Gid says every + operator and sport from Clew to Erie goes across there, and if there's any + ro'd-repairin' all hands ought to turn to an' help on the expense.” + </p> + <p> + “This new railroad idea ought to hit him all right, then,” remarked Seth, + the guide. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” remarked the postmaster, “I'd just like to be round—far + enough off so's the chips and splinters wouldn't hit me—when some + one steps up and tells Col. Gid Ward that a concern of city men is going + to put a railroad in across his land—that's all!” + </p> + <p> + “Gid Ward has always backed everybody off the trail into the bushes round + here” said Seth. “But he's up against a different crowd now.” + </p> + <p> + “Do ye think, in the first place, that Colonel Gid is going to sell 'em + any right o' way across Poquette?” asked the postmaster. “He owns the + whole tract there.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there's ways of getting it,” replied Seth. “Let lawyers alone for + that when they're paid. If Gid don't sell, they can condemn and take.” + </p> + <p> + In a week a portion of Seth's prediction concerning lawyers was verified. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bevan, tall and thin and sallow, stepped off the train at Sunkhaze. He + was a prominent attorney in one of the principal cities of the state, and + served as clerk of this new corporation. + </p> + <p> + When he heard that Col. Gideon Ward was fifty miles up the West Branch, + looking after a timber operation on Number 8, Range 23, he borrowed + leggings, shoe-pacs and an overcoat and hastened on by means of a + tote-team. + </p> + <p> + A week later, silent and grim and pinched with cold, he unrolled himself + from buffalo-robes and took the train at Sunkhaze. The postmaster and + station-agent gave him several opportunities to relate the outcome of his + negotiations, but the attorney was taciturn. + </p> + <p> + The first news came down two week later by Miles McCormick, a swamper on + Ward's Number 8 operation. The man had a gash on his cheek and a big + purple swelling under one eye. When a man of Ward's crew came down from + the woods marked in that manner, it was not necessary for him to say that + he had been discharged by the choleric tyrant who ruled the forest forces + from Chamberlain to Seguntiway. The only inquiry was as to method and + provocation. + </p> + <p> + “He comes along to me as I was choppin',” related Miles to the Sunkhaze + postmaster, “and he yowls, 'Git to goin' there, man, git to goin'!' 'An',' + says I, 'sure, an' I'll not yank the ax back till it's done cuttin'.' An' + then he” Miles put his finger carefully against the puffiness under his + eye, “he hit me.” + </p> + <p> + “Was there a tall stranger come up on the tote-team two weeks or so ago?” + asked the postmaster. + </p> + <p> + “There were,” Miles replied, listlessly, and intent on his own troubles. + </p> + <p> + “Hear anything special about his business?” + </p> + <p> + “No. The old man took the stranger into the wangun camp, where it was + private, and they talked. None of us heard 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “And then the stranger went away, hey?” “Oh, well, at last we heard the + old man howlin' and yowlin' in the wangun camp and then he comes a-pushing + the tall stranger out with such awful language as you know he can. An' he + says to the stranger, 'Talk about charters and condemning land till ye're + black in the face, I say ye can't do it; and every rail ye lay I'll tie it + into a bow-knot. An' I'll eat your charter, seals and all. An' I'll throw + your engine into the lake. An' how do ye like the smell of those?' When he + said it he cracked his old fists under the stranger's nose. An' the + stranger gets into the team and goes away. So that's all of it, and none + of us knowed what it meant at all.” + </p> + <p> + The postmaster darted significant glances round the circle of faces at the + stove, and the loungers returned the stare with interest. + </p> + <p> + “What did I tell ye?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Just as any one might ha' told that lawyer,” said a man, clicking his + knife-blade. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER THREE—ENGINEER PARKER GETS FINAL ORDERS FOR “THE LAND OF THE + GIDEONITES.” + </h2> + <p> + The long autumn passed and winter set in. Snow fell on the carry and the + big sleds jangled across. Men went up past Sunkhaze settlement into the + great region of snow and silence, and men came down—bearded men, + with hands calloused by the ax and the cross-cut saw. + </p> + <p> + But Col. Gideon Ward's well known figure was not among the passengers on + the tote-road. The upgoing men were bound for his camps, and were + inquiring as to his whereabouts; the downgoing men stated that he was + roaring from one log-landing to another, driving men and horses to make a + record-breaking season, and so busy that he would not stop long enough to + eat. + </p> + <p> + Hearing the discussion of the traits and deeds of this woods ogre, the + stranger might readily believe him as terrifying as the celebrated “Injun + devil”—and as much a creature of fiction. + </p> + <p> + But each of the messengers that Ward sent down to the outer world bore + unmistakable sign that this ruler of the wilderness was in full possession + of his autocracy. This talisman was one of the most picturesque features + of Ward's reign over the “Gideonites,” as his men were called all through + the great north country. + </p> + <p> + He never intrusted money to woodsmen, for he deemed them irresponsible; he + found that writings and orders were too easily mislaid. Therefore, + whenever he sent a messenger to town or a man down the line with a + tote-team for goods, he scrawled on his back with a piece of chalk the + peculiar hieroglyph of crosses and circles that made up the Gideon Ward + “log-mark.” This mark was good for lodging and meals at any tavern, was + authority for the transfer of goods, and procured transportation for the + man whose back was thus inscribed. + </p> + <p> + When Colonel Ward sent a crew of men into the woods he marked the back of + each one in this fashion, as if the employees were freight parcels. The + exhibition of that chalk-mark and the words “Charge to Ward” were enough. + And such was the fear of all men that the chalk-mark was never abused. + </p> + <p> + Furthermore, on each grand spring settling day most of the dollars that + circulated in the region came through the hands of Col. Ward. This fact + naturally increased the deference paid him. + </p> + <p> + “A railroad?” sneered one man, just down from Number 4 camp. “A railroad + across Poquette? Across Gid Ward's land, spouting sparks and settin' fires + and hustlin' in sports? Well, you don't see any railroad-buildin' goin' + on, do you?” + </p> + <p> + There was certainly but one reply to this. + </p> + <p> + “And ye won't see any, either. Gid Ward just bellowed once at that lawyer, + and he ran away, ki-yi! ki-yi! You'll never hear any more railroad talk.” + </p> + <p> + He expressed the public opinion, for even Seth, the guide, regretfully + came to the conclusion that the tyrant of the West Branch had “backed + down” the city men by his belligerent reception of their emissary. + </p> + <p> + But soon after the first of January the postmaster's daily paper brought + some further news. The state legislature had assembled in biennial session + that winter. In the course of its reports the newspaper stated that the + “Po-quette Carry Railway Company,” a corporation organized under the + general law, had brought before the railroad commissioners a petition for + their approval of the project, and that a day was appointed for a hearing. + </p> + <p> + “The city men had the sand, after all,” was his admiring comment. “They + don't propose to start firing till they get all their legal ammunition + ready, and that's why they've been waitin'. We're goin' to see warm times + on the Spinnaker waters.” + </p> + <p> + For that matter the daily newspaper brought to snow-heaped Sunkhaze + intelligence of “warm times” at the hearing. The legal counsel and + lobbyists who represented the puissant timber interests of the state + protested against allowing this railroad corporation to acquire any rights + across the wild lands. + </p> + <p> + It was pointed out that a dangerous precedent would be established; that + forest fires would be sure to originate from the locomotive's sparks, and + that the Poquette woods were the center of the great West Branch timber + growth. + </p> + <p> + The counsel for the incorporators said that his clients realized this + danger, and anticipated that this objection, a potent one, would be made. + They were willing to show their liberal intent by binding themselves to + run their trains only in rainy or “lowery” weather, or when the ground was + damp. In times of dangerous drought they would suspend operations. + </p> + <p> + “The Rainy-Day Railroad,” as it was nicknamed immediately, excited + considerable hilarity at the state-house and in the newspapers. + </p> + <p> + The matter was fought out with much animation. The counsel for the railway + made much of the fact that these timber owners had fought the very + reasonable state tax that had been imposed on their vast and valuable + holdings. He drew attention to the needs of the sportsman class, that was + spending much money in the state each year, and declared that unless they + were treated with some courtesy and generosity, they would go into New + Brunswick. + </p> + <p> + But those deepest in the secrets of the very vigorous legislative fray + knew that the timber-land owners feared more results than they advanced in + their arguments against the charter. + </p> + <p> + For some years there had been rumors that extensive capital was ready to + tap a certain big railway and afford a shorter cut to the sea. Such a + cut-off would mean opening great tracts of woodland to the steam horse—and + where the steam horse goes there go settlers. The timberland owners had + found that settlers do not wait for clear titles, but squat and burn and + plant until evicted, and eviction by course of law means expense and + damage. + </p> + <p> + To be sure, the Poquette Carry line appeared on the surface to be so + innocent that to allege against it the great whispered scheme seemed + ridiculous. Therefore the counsel of the timber barons did not bring out + in the committee-room hearings all they suspected, for fear that they + would be laughed at. + </p> + <p> + So the Poquette Carry Road got what it asked for at last, the opposition + daring to put forward only its slight pretexts. But the timber interests + retired growling bitterly, and angrily apprehensive. They could not + understand that big men are sometimes actuated by whims. Here they saw the + controllers of the great P. K. & R. system behind this insignificant + project in the north woods. They gave these shrewd railroad men no credit + for ingenuousness. And the resolve that was thereupon made at secret + conclave of the timber men to fight that first encroachment on their + old-time domains and rights was a stern and a bitter resolve. The + knowledge of it would have mightily astonished—might have daunted + effectually a certain young engineer who was just then learning from + Manager Jerrard the details of his new commission. + </p> + <p> + In the end, late in March, Whittaker and Jerrard found themselves with a + charter and a location approved by the state railroad commissioners, + permitting them to build a six-mile railroad across Poquette Carry; to + carry passengers, baggage, express and freight, but with the limitation + that when the state land-agent should think the condition of drought + dangerous and should so notify the company, the road should cease to run + any trains until rain wet down the woods. + </p> + <p> + The location was taken by right of eminent domain, and all the provisions + of the law were complied with. No settlement for the damage caused to + Colonel Ward through the loss of his land was possible, altho the railroad + company made liberal offers, and he was finally left to pursue his remedy + in the courts. + </p> + <p> + Up to this time Jerrard had kept his negotiations with young Parker a + private matter between the two of them, even as he had kept some of the + annoying legislative details away from his superior. + </p> + <p> + “What engineer can you send down there and handle the thing for us?” asked + President Whittaker, when Jerrard informed him that all the legal details + had been settled. “I want some one who knows enough to get the line going + in season for our August trip—and above all to keep still. I don't + want to hear a word about it till I get out of a canoe at Poquette Carry + next summer. Here we want to build a wheelbarrow road, and I have been + having hard work to convince some of our bankers that I'm not planning a + coup against the Canadian Pacific. Bosh!” + </p> + <p> + “These timber-land owners started most of that foolishness,” said Jerrard. + “But speaking of a man, there's Rodney Parker.” + </p> + <p> + “Never heard of him.” + </p> + <p> + “He's been with the engineers two years on the Falls cut-off's new work. I + can't think of any one else who will suit us as well.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tisn't going to take any very wonderful man to build this road,” the + president snapped, rather impatiently. + </p> + <p> + A smile crept into the wrinkles about Jerrard's shrewd eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Whittaker,” said he, “there's a side to our railroad enterprise that + neither you nor I appreciated at first. I've been getting some points from + our counsel, who had a talk with Bevan. When we were up at the lake, you + remember something that Rotre said about the timber-land owners not + especially hankering for a railroad at the carry. Well, Bevan says the + land there is owned by a man named Ward—Col, Gideon Ward, one of the + big lumber operators of that section. From Bevan's account, Ward must be + something like a cross between a bull moose and a Bengal tiger, Bevan went + up to see him. He thought he could make a deal for the right of way, and + thus would not be obliged to bother with condemnation proceedings and stir + up talk and all that. Devan declares that getting a charter is one thing + but the building of that road will be another.” + </p> + <p> + “We've got the law—” + </p> + <p> + “Law gets very thin when you step over the line into an unorganized timber + township. They tell me that old Ward comes pretty near making his own + laws, and makes them with his fists or a club or else through his gang + that they call 'The Gideonites' in that country.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Parker, is he—” + </p> + <p> + “I've got him out in my room. I've been talking with him. Better have him + step in here.” + </p> + <p> + The president pushed his desk button, and the messenger hastened on his + errand. + </p> + <p> + “Parker,” explained the traffic manager, “doesn't look any more savage + than a house cat. But he's the man who went down into the camp of those + Italians at the Fall's cut-off when they were having their bread squabble, + and he backed the whole gang into the camp and made them sit down at the + table. Of course, we hope we shall need only an engineer and not a warrior + at Poquette, and we trust that Ward will be tractable and all that; but, + Whittaker, if we're going to build that road, and are not to be backed + down in such a way that we'll never dare to show our faces before the + grinning natives at Sunkhaze then we need to send along a chap like—” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Parker!” opportunely announced the boy, at the door. + </p> + <p> + Parker seemed tall and angular and rather awkward. The brown of + out-of-doors was upon his skin. His eyelids dropped at the corners in + rather a listless way, but the eyes beneath were gray and steady. He was + young, not more than twenty-five, so Whittaker judged at his first sharp + glance. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you can build that road that Jerrard has been telling you + about?” asked the president, briskly. + </p> + <p> + “I think so, sir.” Parker spoke with a drawl. + </p> + <p> + “You understand what the plan is?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jerrard has explained quite fully.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you afraid of bears and owls?” The president spoke jocosely, but + there was a significant tone in his voice. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think I should spend much time climbing trees,” replied Parker, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Do you understand that the man we send must take the whole undertaking on + his own shoulders? Neither Mr. Jerrard nor myself cares to think about the + matter, even.” “I'll be glad to be instructed, sir.” “You'll have + instructions as to limit of construction cost per mile, authority to draw + on us as you need money, and the road must be in operation by the middle + of July. Now Jerrard speaks well of your qualifications. What do you + think?” “I am ready to accept the commission, sir.” “You'll have to get + away at once, Parker,” said Jerrard. “You must get construction material + and supplies across Spinnaker before the ice breaks up. You can depend on + the most of April for ice.” + </p> + <p> + “I can start when you say the word.” “We shall rush material. Suppose you + start to-morrow morning?” “I'll start sir.” + </p> + <p> + He left the room when he was informed that his instructions would await + him that evening. + </p> + <p> + “Jerrard,” said the president, gazing after the young man, “your friend + isn't an especially <i>pretty</i> frog but I'll bet he can jump more than + once his length.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FOUR—IN WHICH THE DOUGHTY “SWAMP SWOGON” ASTONISHES SUNKHAZE + SETTLEMENT + </h2> + <p> + Two days afterward Parker ate his supper at the Sunkhaze tavern and spent + the evening going over the schedule of material that was following him by + freight, its progress over connecting lines hastened by all the “pull” + inspired by the P. K. & R.'s bills of lading. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, even while the frosty sun was red behind the spruces, he + had arranged with the station agent for side-track privileges, and then + questioned that functionary regarding local conditions. + </p> + <p> + “I need twenty or more four-horse teams,” said Parker. “What's the best + way to advertise here?” “I reckon you can advertise and advertise,” + replied the station agent, “but that's all the good it'll do you. Colonel + Gid Ward has about every spare team in this county yardin' logs for him + this winter.” + </p> + <p> + “What does he pay?” + </p> + <p> + “Thirty-five a month for a span o' hosses, and hosses and man kept.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll pay forty-five and feed.” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't want to be the man that went up on Gid Ward's operations and + tried to hire his teams away!” growled the agent. “You can't hire any one + round here for an errand of that kind.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd go myself if I thought I could get the horses,” said Parker. + </p> + <p> + “I'd advise you to save yourself a fifty-mile ride up the tote-road,” the + agent counseled. “Even if Ward didn't catch you, you'd find that no man + would da'st to leave there. Furthermore, you've only got a little, short + job here, scarcely worth while.” + </p> + <p> + The logic of the reply impressed Parker. + </p> + <p> + He could not spare the time anyway, to travel far up into the woods in + quest of horses. His material must be conveyed across Spinnaker Lake in + some other way. + </p> + <p> + “How far is it up the lake to Poquette?” he asked the agent. + </p> + <p> + “Sixteen miles.” + </p> + <p> + An hour later Parker, after a tour of inspection, had settled his problem + of transportation in his own mind. His plan was ingenious. + </p> + <p> + There were half a dozen men available in Sunkhaze, and more were arriving + daily, straggling down from the woods or roaring in fresh from the city, + hurrying on the way up. + </p> + <p> + The postmaster owned a hardwood tract, and Parker set his little crew at + work chopping birch saplings and fashioning from them huge sleds, strongly + bolted. As for himself, he entered into a contract with the local + blacksmith, threw his coat off and went to work on some contrivances, + round which the settlement's loungers congregated from dawn till dark the + next day, watching the progress and wondering audibly “what such a blamed + contraption was goin' to turn out to be.” + </p> + <p> + Parker kept his own counsel. At the end of two days, with the assistance + of the blacksmith, he had remodeled four ox-cart tires. Each tire was + spurred with bristling steel spikes, bolted firmly. In reply to his + telegram, “Rush loco, all equipments and coal,” the little narrow-gage + engine arrived, at the tail of the procession of flat cars, loaded with + materials of construction. + </p> + <p> + By this time Parker's crew had been increased to a score of laborers, and + he had picked up three yokes of oxen and four horses from the few pioneer + farmers who lived near Sunkhaze. With tackle and derrick the locomotive + was swung upon a specially constructed sled, and the spurred tires were + set upon its drivers. Then the great idea locked in Parker's head became + apparent to the population of Sunkhaze. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" + alt="Then the Great Idea -- Frontispiece " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + “Gorry!” said the postmaster. “If that young feller hain't got a horse + there that'll beat anything that even Colonel Gid Ward himself ever sent + across Spinnaker Lake!” + </p> + <p> + Amid the utmost excitement of the spectators, the “engine on runners” was + “snubbed” down the steep hill and eased out upon the road leading to the + lake. Two hours' work with levers and wedges had adjusted the machine + until the spurred wheels had the requisite “bite” upon the ice. + </p> + <p> + At dark on the day of the “launching” Parker gazed off across the level of + the lake, and said to his men: + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, boys, the Spinnaker Lake Air-Line Railroad will run its first + train to Po-quette Carry. No freight this time. I want to lay out my + landing up there. So all aboard at nine o'clock. Three cars,” he said, + pointing to the new sleds, “and a free ride for all of you, with my + compliments.” + </p> + <p> + An honest cheer greeted his jocular announcement, and that evening all the + Sunk-haze male population assembled round the stove in the post-office to + discuss the matter. When the evening was yet young, a red-faced, + red-whiskered man, snow-shoes on his back and fresh from the up-country + trail, came and warmed himself, listening with interest to the lively + discussion. + </p> + <p> + “So that's what that thing is down on the lake?” he said, at last. “'Twas + dark when I came by, and I swan if it didn't scare me. Want to know if + that's the engine we've been hearin' about up our way?” + </p> + <p> + His tone was significant. + </p> + <p> + “Where ye from, stranger?” asked one of the loungers. + </p> + <p> + “Number 7 cuttin'.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, one of Gid Ward's men?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, has Ward heard about the railroad preparations?” inquired the + postmaster. This query had been propounded with eagerness to every new + arrival from the woods for the past three days. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + The interest of the men quickened, and they crowded round the newcomer. + </p> + <p> + “What does he say?” + </p> + <p> + “He hain't said anything special yet, so I heard,” replied the man. + “Hain't done anything but swear so far, so they tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he—has he started to come down?” + </p> + <p> + “Feller from up the line telephoned across the carry that a streak of fur, + bells and brimstone went past his place, and so I should judge that + Colonel Gid is on the way down,” drawled the man. + </p> + <p> + “An' he'll come across that lake in the morning,” said the postmaster, + jabbing his thumb over his shoulder, “scorchin' the snow and leavin' a hot + hole in the air behind him.” + </p> + <p> + The door opened and Parker came in to post his letters. The crowd gazed on + him with new interest and with a certain significance in their glances + that caught his eyes. The postmaster noticed his mute inquiry, and + remarked: + </p> + <p> + “News from the interior, Mr. Parker, is that you prob'ly won't have any + ice in Spinnaker to-morrow to run your engine on.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” demanded the young man, with some surprise. The postmaster's sober + face hid his jest. Parker surveyed wonderingly the grins curling under the + listeners' beards. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Colonel Gid Ward is comin' across in the mornin' and it's reckoned + he'll burn up the ice.” + </p> + <p> + A cackle of laughter came from the assemblage. + </p> + <p> + “There's plenty of room on Spinnaker for both of us, I think,” Parker + replied, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Better hitch your engine,” suggested one of the group. “She's li'ble to + take to the woods and climb a tree when she hears old Gid. And you can + hear him a good way off, now I can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + The postmaster knuckled his chin humorously. + </p> + <p> + “Wal, you'll hear him 'bout the same time you see him. Five years ago he + was arrested down to the village for drivin' through the streets + lickety-whelt without bells. Run over two or three people, first and last. + Gid said he'd give 'em bells enough, if that's what they wanted. He began + collecting bells all the way from a cow-bell down. At last accounts he had + about two hundred on his hoss and sleigh, and was still addin'. Now he + makes every hoss on the street run away. The men wish they'd let him alone + in the first place. He'll prob'ly want your engine-bell when he sees it + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Another cackle from the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Parker left without answering, and went to his dingy little room in the + tavern. He did not doubt that the timber-land owners, beaten in their + earlier and formal opposition, were inciting the irascible old colonel to + pit might against right. The young man went over his papers once more, + carefully and methodically posted himself as to his rights and powers, and + then slept with the calmness of one who knows his course and is prepared + to follow it. + </p> + <p> + The next morning all the male population of Sunkhaze settlement surveyed + with rapt interest the preliminaries of getting up steam under the “Swamp + Swogon,” as one of the guides had humorously nicknamed the little + locomotive. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a bystander leveled his mittened hand above his eyes and gazed up + the long trail across the lake. The road was “brushed out” by little + bushes set along at regular intervals. + </p> + <p> + Away off on the distant perspective a dot was advancing. It resolved + itself into horse and sleigh. Puffs of vapor from the steaming animal + indicated the urgent precipitancy of its speed. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon that'll be Colonel Gideon Ward!” called the man who had just + observed the team. + </p> + <p> + Parker, busy with his gages and oil-can, gave one look up the road and + went on with his labors. In a few moments the jangling beat of many bells + throbbed on the frosty air. As if answering a challenge, the locomotive's + escape valve shot up its hissing volume of steam. + </p> + <p> + “We are very nearly ready, gentlemen!” called Parker. He gave an order to + his volunteer fireman, and suggested that intending passengers get aboard + the sleds. + </p> + <p> + “I'll sound the whistle,” said he. “There may be some still waiting up at + the store.” + </p> + <p> + The whistle shrieks were many and prolonged. The horse, speeding down the + lake, was only a few rods away. He stopped, crouched, and dodged sidewise + in terror. An old man stood up and began to belabor the frightened animal. + </p> + <p> + He was a queer figure, that old man, in the high-backed, high-fender + sleigh. On his head was a tall peaked fur cap, with a barred coon tail + flopping at its apex. A big fur coat, also covered with coon tails, made + the man's figure almost Brobdingnagian in circumference. It was Colonel + Gideon Ward. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIVE—HOW COLONEL GIDEON WAS BACKED DOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME + IN HIS LIFE + </h2> + <p> + Above the purple knobs on his cheekbones Colonel Gideon Ward's little gray + eyes snapped malevolently. He roared as he lashed at his trembling horse. + The animal dodged and backed and stubbornly refused to advance on the + strange thing that was pouring white clouds into the air and uttering + fearful cries. + </p> + <p> + At last the horse reared, stood upright and fell upon its side, + splintering the thills. Several of the men ran forward, but before the + animal could scramble to its feet Ward leaped out, tied its forelegs + together with the reins, and left it floundering in the snow. Then he came + forward with his great whip in his hand. The crowd drew aside + apprehensively, and he tramped straight up to the locomotive. + </p> + <p> + “What do ye mean,” he roared, “by having engines out here to scare hosses + into conniptions? Take that thing off this lake and put it back on the + railroad tracks up there where it belongs!” He shook his fists over his + shoulder in the direction of the distant embankment. + </p> + <p> + “You will observe,” said Parker, blandly, “that there is some twenty + inches difference between the gage of the wheels and the gage—” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care that”—and Colonel Ward snapped the great whip—“for + your gages and your gouges! Take that engine off this ro'd.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care to discuss the matter,” returned Parker, quietly. “I am busy + about my own affairs—too busy to quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no use of me and you backin' and fillin'!” shouted the old man. + “You know me and I know you. You think you're goin' to tote your material + up over this lake and build that railroad across my carry at Poquette?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's what I am going to do.” + </p> + <p> + Ward shot out his two great fists. + </p> + <p> + “Naw, ye ain't!” he howled. + </p> + <p> + Parker turned and consulted his steam-gage and water indicator. Then he + rang the bell. + </p> + <p> + “All aboard!” he shouted. “First train for Poquette.” + </p> + <p> + A nervous little laugh went round at his quiet jest, and twoscore men + boarded the sleds. For the first time in his roaring, reckless and + quarrelsome life Colonel Gideon Ward found himself in the presence of a + man who defied him scornfully and facing an obstacle that promised + ridiculous defeat. + </p> + <p> + The titter of the crowd spurred his rage into fury. He took his whip + between his teeth, and grasping the hand-rods, was about to lift himself + into the cab. Parker put his gloved hand against the old man's breast. + </p> + <p> + “Not without an invitation, Colonel Ward,” he said. “Our party is made + up.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't want to ride in your infernal engine!” bellowed Ward, “I'm goin' to + hoss-whip you, you—” + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Ward, you know the legal status of the Poquette Carry Railroad, + don't you?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care—” + </p> + <p> + “If you don't know it, then consult your counsel. You are on the property + of the Poquette Railroad Company. I order you off. There's nothing for you + to do but to go.” + </p> + <p> + Eyes as fiery as Ward's own met the colonel. The pressure on his breast + straightened to a push. He fell back upon the snow. + </p> + <p> + The next moment Parker pulled the throttle. The spike-spurred + driving-wheels whirred and slashed the ice and snow until the “bite” + started the train, and then it moved away up the long road, leaving Ward + screaming maledictions after it. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” panted the fireman, “that'll be the first time Colonel Gid Ward + was ever stood round in his whole life!” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry to have words with an old man,” said Parker, “but he must + accept the new conditions here.” + </p> + <p> + “This is new, all right!” gasped the fireman, with an expressive sweep of + his hand about the little cab. + </p> + <p> + Parker was watching his new contrivance with interest. His steering-gear + was rude, being a single runner under the tender with tiller attachment, + but it served the purpose. The road was so nearly a straight line that + little steering was necessary. + </p> + <p> + The snow on the lake road was solid, and the spikes, with the weight of + the engine settling them, drove the sleds along at a moderate rate of + speed. The problem of the lake transportation was settled. When Parker + quickened the pace to something like twelve miles an hour, the men cheered + him hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + The trip to Poquette was exhilarating and uneventful. Parker left his + fireman to look after the “train,” and accompanied by an interested + retinue of citizens, tramped across the six miles of carry road on a + preliminary tour of inspection. + </p> + <p> + He returned well satisfied. + </p> + <p> + The route was fairly level; a few détours would save all cuts, and the + plan of trestles would do away with fills. With the eye of the practised + engineer, Parker saw that neither survey nor construction involved any + special problems. Therefore he selected his landing on the Spinnaker + shore, and resolved to make all haste in hauling his material across the + lake. + </p> + <p> + When the expedition arrived at Sunkhaze at dusk, the postmaster brought + the information that Colonel Ward had stormed away on the down-train with + certain hints about getting some law on his own account. He had sworn over + and over in most ferocious fashion that the Poquette Carry road should not + be built so long as law and dynamite could be bought. + </p> + <p> + For two days Parker peacefully transported material, twenty tons a trip + and two trips a day. On the evening of the third day Colonel Ward arrived + from the city, accompanied by a sharp-looking lawyer. The two immediately + hastened away across the lake toward Poquette. + </p> + <p> + Parker had twenty men garrisoned in a log camp at the carry, and had + little fear that his supplies would be molested. It was hardly credible, + either, that a man with as extensive property interests as Colonel Ward + possessed would dare to destroy wantonly the goods of a railroad company + in the strong position of the Poquette road. However, Parker resolved to + make a survey at once, in order to put the swampers at work chopping trees + and clearing the right of way. + </p> + <p> + When he left the cab of his engine the next forenoon at Poquette, he saw + the furred figure of Colonel Ward in front of his carry camp a sort of + half-way station for the timber operator's itinerant crews. The lawyer was + at his elbow. + </p> + <p> + Parker ignored their presence. + </p> + <p> + A half-hour later the young engineer had established his Spinnaker + terminal point, and was running his lines. Still no word from the colonel, + who was tramping up and down in front of the camp. Parker's whimsical + fancy pictured those furs and coon tails as bristling and fluffing like + the hair of an angry cat. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/100.jpg" + alt="Appearance of an Enraged Polar Bear 078-100 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + The young man wondered what card his antagonists were preparing to play. + He found out promptly when he ordered his swampers to advance with their + axes and begin chopping down the trees on the right of way. At the first + “chock” ringing out on the crisp silence of the woods Ward came running + down the snowy stretch of tote-road, presenting much the same appearance + as would an up reared and enraged polar bear. The lawyer hurried after + him, and several woodsmen followed more leisurely. + </p> + <p> + “Not another chip from those trees! Not another chip!” bawled the colonel. + The men stopped chopping and looked at each other doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “We've been told to go ahead here,” said the “boss.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care what yeh've been told. You all know me, don't you?” Ward + slapped his breast. “You know me? Well, I say stop that chopping on my—understand?—on + <i>my</i> land.” + </p> + <p> + Parker, who was in advance of the choppers with his instruments, heard, + and came plowing through the snow. He found Colonel Ward roaring oaths and + abuse, brandishing his fists, and backing the crew of a dozen men fairly + off the right of way. Ward's own band of “Gideonites” stood at a little + distance, grinning admiringly. + </p> + <p> + Parker set himself squarely in front of the old man, elbowing aside a + woodsman to whom the colonel was addressing himself. The young engineer's + gaze was level and determined. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Ward,” he said, “you are interfering with my men.” + </p> + <p> + The answer was a wordless snarl of ire and contempt. + </p> + <p> + “There's no mistaking your disposition,” continued Parker. “You have set + yourself to balk this enterprise. But I haven't any time to spend in a + quarrel with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then get off my land.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, see here, Colonel Ward, you know as well as I that my principals + have complied with all the provisions of law in taking this location. This + road is going through. I am going to put it through.” + </p> + <p> + “Talk back to me, will you? Talk to me! ni—I'll—” Ward's rage + choked his utterance. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I'll talk to you, sir, and I am perfectly qualified to boss my + men. Go ahead there, boys!” he called. + </p> + <p> + “A moment, Mr. Parker,” broke in the suave voice of the lawyer. “I see you + don't understand the entire situation. Briefly, then, Mr. Ward has a + telephone-line across this carry. You may see the wires from where you + stand. I find that your right of way trespasses on Colonel Ward's + telephone location. In this confusion of locations, you will see the + advisability of suspending operations until the matter can be referred to + the courts.” + </p> + <p> + “There is room for Colonel Ward's telephone and for our railroad, too,” he + retorted. “If we are compelled to remove any poles, we'll replace them.” + </p> + <p> + Of course Parker did not know that the telephone-line was, in fact, only + Colonel Ward's private line, and after the taking by the railroad was on + the location wholly without right. But that was a matter for his + superiors, and not for him. + </p> + <p> + “Another point that I fear you have not noted. Colonel Ward's telephone + wires are affixed to trees, and your men are preparing to cut down these + same trees in clearing your right of way. You see it can't be done, Mr. + Parker.” + </p> + <p> + There was an unmistakable sneer in the lawyer's tones. Parker's anger + mounted to his cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “I'm no lawyer,” he cried, “but I have been assured by our counsel that I + have the right to build a railroad here, and I reckon he knows! I've been + told to build this railroad and, Mr. Attorney, I'm going to build it. I've + been told to have it completed by a certain time, and I haven't days and + weeks to spend splitting hairs in court.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I see you're not much of a lawyer!” jeered the other. “Mr. Parker, + you may as well take your plaything,” pointing to the engine, “and trundle + it along home.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll see about that!” Parker snatched an ax from the nearest man. “Mr. + Lawyer, you may <i>go</i> back to the city and fight your legal points + with the man my principals hire for that purpose, and enjoy yourself as + much as you can. In the meantime I'll be building a railroad. Men, those + trees are to come down at once.” He began to hack at a tree with great + vigor. + </p> + <p> + The choppers, encouraged by his firm attitude, promptly moved forward and + began to use their axes. + </p> + <p> + “The club you must use, Colonel, is an injunction,” advised the + crestfallen lawyer after he had watched operations a few moments. Ward was + swearing violently. “I'll have one here in twenty-four hours.” + </p> + <p> + The irate lumberman whirled on his counsel. + </p> + <p> + “Get out of here!” he snarled. “Your injunction would prob'ly be like the + law you've handed out here to-day. You said you'd stop him, but you + haven't.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no law for a fool!” snapped the attorney. + </p> + <p> + “Get along with your law!” roared Ward. “I was an idiot ever to fuss with + it or depend on it. 'Tain't any good up here. 'Tain't the way for real men + to fight. I've got somethin' better'n law.” + </p> + <p> + He shook his fists at Parker. “Better'n law!” he repeated, in a shrill + howl. “Better'n law!” he cried again. “And you'll get it, too.” + </p> + <p> + At first the engineer believed that Ward was about to rally his little + band at the carry camp, but the old man turned and stumped away. His + lawyer tried to interpose and address him, but the colonel angrily shoved + him to one side with such force that the attorney tumbled backward into + the snow. + </p> + <p> + “Get out my horse!” the colonel screamed, as he advanced toward the camp. + </p> + <p> + A helper precipitately backed the turnout from the hovel. Ward leaped into + the sleigh, pulled his peaked fur cap down over his ears, and took up the + reins and big whip. He brandished his great fist at the little group he + had just left. + </p> + <p> + “Better'n law!” he shouted again. “That for your law!” and he struck his + rangy horse with a crack as loud as a pistol-shot. + </p> + <p> + The animal leaped like a deer, fairly lifting the narrow sleigh, and with + tails fluttering from his fur robes, his cap's coon tail streaming behind, + away up the tote-road went Gideon Ward on his return to the deep woods, + the mighty din of his myriad bells clashing down the forest aisles. At the + distant turn of the road he hooted with the vigor of a screech owl, + “Better'n law!” and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Your client doesn't seem to be in an especially amiable and lamb-like + mood this morning,” said Parker. + </p> + <p> + The lawyer dusted the snow from his garments. + </p> + <p> + “Beautiful disposition, old Gid Ward has!” he snarled. “Left me here to + walk sixteen miles to a railroad-station, and never offered to settle with + me.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget the 'Poquette and Sunkhaze Air-Line,” Parker smiled. “You are + free to ride back with us when we go.” + </p> + <p> + “No hard feelings, then?” asked the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “I'm not small-minded, I trust,” returned Parker. The lawyer looked at the + self-possessed young man with pleased interest. This generous attitude + appealed to him. + </p> + <p> + “Do you realize, young man,” he inquired, “that old Gideon Ward never had + a man really back him down before?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know much about Colonel Ward personally, except that he has a + very disagreeable disposition.” + </p> + <p> + “You've made him just as near a maniac as a man can be and still go about + his business. There'll be a lot of trouble come from this. Hadn't you + better advise your folks to call it off? They haven't the least idea, I + imagine, what a proposition you are up against.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall keep on attending to my business,” Parker replied. “If any one + interferes with that business, he'll do so at his own risk.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid you are depending too much on your legal rights and on the + protection of the law. Now Gideon Ward has always made might right in this + section. He is rough and ignorant, but the old scamp has a heap of money + and a rich gang to back him. I tell you, there are a lot of things he can + do to you, and then escape by using his money and his pull.” + </p> + <p> + “From what I have seen of the old man's temper, I am prepared to put a + pretty high estimate on his capacity for mischief; but on the other hand, + Mr. Attorney, suppose I should go back to my people and say I allowed an + old native up here in the woods to back me off our property? I fear my + chances for promotion on the P. K, and R. system would get a blacker eye + than I shall give him if he ever shakes his fist under my nose again. Have + all the people up here allowed that old wretch to browbeat and tyrannize + over them without a word of protest?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he has been whaled once or twice, but it never did him any good. For + instance, a favorite trick of his is to make every one flounder out of a + tote-road into the deep snow. He won't turn out an inch. Most of the men + he meets are working for him or selling him goods, and they don't dare to + complain. However, one teamster he crowded off in that way broke two + ox-goads on the old man. But that whipping only set him against other + travellers more than ever. + </p> + <p> + “Another time Ward got what he deserved down at Sunkhaze. A man opened a + store there and put in a plate-glass window, being anxious to show a bit + of progress. There's nothing old Ward hates so much as he does what he + calls 'slingin' on airs,' When he drove down from the woods and saw that + new window he growled, 'Wal, it seems to me we're gettin' blamed + high-toned all of a sudden!' He got out, rooted up a big rock and hove it + right through the middle of that new pane of glass the only pane of plate + glass Sunkhaze ever saw. Well, the storeman tore out and licked Ward till + he cried. Storeman didn't know who the old man was till after it was all + over. Neither did old Gid know how big that storeman was till he saw him + coming out through that broken glass. Otherwise both might have thought + twice. + </p> + <p> + “Ward boycotted and persecuted him till he had to sell out and leave town. + He has persecuted everybody. His wife has been in the insane asylum going + on ten years; his only girl ran away and got married to a cheap fellow, + and his son is in state prison. The boy ran away from home, got into bad + company, and shot a policeman who was trying to arrest him. If you are not + crazy or dead before he gets done with you, then you'll come out luckier + than I think you will.” + </p> + <p> + With this consoling remark the lawyer plodded up to the camp, to wait + until it should be time to start down the lake. + </p> + <p> + As Parker toiled through the woods that day he reflected seriously on his + situation. He fully appreciated the fact that Ward's malice intended some + ugly retaliation. The danger viewed here in the woods and away from the + usual protections of society seemed imminent and to be dreaded. + </p> + <p> + But the young man realized how skeptically Whittaker and Jerrard would + view any such apprehensions as he might convey to them, reading his letter + in the comfortable and matter-of-fact serenity of the city. He knew how + impatient it made President Whittaker to be troubled with any + subordinate's worry over details. His rule was to select the right man, + say, “Let it be done,” and then, after the manner of the modern financial + wizard inspect the finished result and bestow blame or praise. + </p> + <p> + Parker regretfully concluded that he must keep his own counsel until some + act more overt and ominous forced him to share his responsibility. + </p> + <p> + That evening, as he sat in his room at the tavern, busy with his first + figures of the survey, some one knocked and entered at his call, “Come + in!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SIX—IN WHICH “THE CAT-HERMIT OF MOXIE” CASTS HIS SHADOW LONG + BEFORE HIM + </h2> + <p> + It was the postmaster who appeared at Parker's invitation to enter. That + official stroked down his beard, tipped his chair back, surveyed the young + man with the solemnity of the midnight raven and observed: + </p> + <p> + “I hear you and Colonel Gid had it hot and tight up to Poquette to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “There was an argument,” returned Parker, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to be considered as meddlin' with your affairs, Mr. Parker, + but I've known Gid Ward for a good many years, and I want to advise you to + look sharp that he doesn't do you some pesky mean kind of harm.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been warned already, Mr. Dodge.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but you don't seem to take it to heart enough. Or if you do, you + don't show it. That was the reason I was afraid you didn't realize what a + man you have to deal with.” + </p> + <p> + “He seems to me like a blustering coward. Your really brave and determined + men don't make so much talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Gid Ward has tried his usual game of scare with his mouth, and it + didn't work. He won't come again at you that way in the open right way. + But”—the postmaster brought his chair down on its four legs and + leaned forward to whisper—“he'll come again at you in the dark, and + it's then that he's dangerous.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I needn't tell you, Mr. Dodge, that I do not propose to be + backed down and driven out of this section by a man like that. I dare say + he is planning mischief, but I have my work to do here, and I shall keep + on as best I can.” + </p> + <p> + “I admire your spunk, young man,” said the postmaster, heartily, “and I + hope you'll come through this all right. But I have felt it my duty to see + that you were warned good and solid. I know how Gid Ward got his start in + life—and by as mean a trick as ever a man put up. + </p> + <p> + “His brother Joshua Ward, enlisted for the war in the sixties. Bachelor, + Joshua was. He was going with one of the Marshall girls in Carmel, and the + thing was settled final. Hows'ever, Josh went away to the war without + getting married, because he allowed that if he got killed, an unmarried + girl wouldn't have to take last pickings of the men, like a widow would. + Mighty kind, square, good-hearted chap that Josh Ward now I can tell ye! + Thought of others first all the time. He owned a mighty nice place that + his aunt had willed to him. She liked Josh, but hated the sight of Gid, + same's every one else did. + </p> + <p> + “Before Josh went away he deeded his farm and everything to that Marshall + girl. Told her that if he came back they would get married, and it would + be all right. If he didn't come back, he wanted her to marry a good man, + and told her that the farm would make a home for them and help her to get + the best kind of a husband. As I told you, that Joshua Ward was as good as + wheat. + </p> + <p> + “For a year that Marshall girl heard from Josh regularly, and then the + papers reported that he was killed in a big battle, and from then to the + end of the war—two years or more—there wasn't a word from him + or of him. Meanwhile Gid laid his plan. The Marshall girl had an idea that + if she married Gid—though he wasn't her style—it would please + Josh, for then the place would stay in the family. She mourned for Josh + terribly, but Gid was right after her all the time, and there she was with + a farm on her hands, and so she finally up and married him. + </p> + <p> + “In Joshua Ward's case it happened, as it did in hundreds of other cases, + where the poor chaps weren't important enough to be heard about or from. + He was just captured instead of killed, and went from Libby to + Andersonville, from Andersonville to Macon, and when Lee surrendered he + came home, thin's a shadow, shaking with ague and with eyes bigger than + burnt holes in a blanket. Pitiful figure he was, I tell you. I was running + a livery business in Carmel village then, and Josh hired me to take him + out to the farm. + </p> + <p> + “I broke the thing to him on the way. Made my throat ache, now I tell you, + Mr. Parker. Made my eyes smart and the fields and sky look blurry to see + that poor wreck, with everything gone, and know that the hog that had + stayed to home was enjoying it all. + </p> + <p> + “And what made me, as a man, despise Gid Ward more was the fact that he + had been colonel of a state regiment in old militia days, boosted there by + a gang that trained with him, and as soon as war broke out and the + regiment was mustered in he resigned like a sneak, and couldn't be touched + by a draft. + </p> + <p> + “Josh always was a quiet chap. He humped over a little more when I told + him, and looked thinner, and I had to help him more when he got out at the + farm than I did when he got aboard at the stable. He allowed he'd go to + the farm just the same. Said he didn't have any money, or any other place + to go, and he guessed 'twas his home, anyway. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Parker, I haven't got the language to tell ye how that woman looked + when she came to the door and saw me helping Josh out to the ground. No + sir, I don't want to think of it—how she sank right down in that + doorway, and her head went over sidewise and her eyes shut and—and + her heart stopped, I guess.” + </p> + <p> + The postmaster blew his nose and snapped his eyes and cleared his throat + with difficulty. Parker had forgotten his figures. + </p> + <p> + “Gid came round the corner of the house, seeing the team drive up, and + what do you suppose he said when he saw his brother back from the grave, + as you might say? He looked him over, not offering to shake his hand, and + then he says, 'Well, living skelington, it's goin' to cost something to + plump you out again, ain't it?' + </p> + <p> + “When I saw the look on Josh's face at that, I'd have hauled off and + cuffed Gid's head up to a pick, swan if I wouldn't, but the Marshall girl—excuse + me, Mis' Ward—came tearin' down the path, and threw her arms round + Josh's neck and cried, 'O my poor brother!' And I came away. + </p> + <p> + “It was too much for me. My eyes were so full that I run against a tree, + and pretty near took a wheel off. + </p> + <p> + “Wal, Josh stayed, and as soon as he was able he took a-hold of farm-work, + and things went along for a time all quiet. One evening Josh was sitting + out at the corner of the house, smoking as usual, and meditatin' in the + way he had, when Gid came along and sat down on the door-stone. + </p> + <p> + “''Bout time to have a business understanding, ain't it, Josh?' Gid asked. + </p> + <p> + “'Yes, perhaps it is,' said Joshua. + </p> + <p> + “'Well then, ye'll answer a fair question. If ye continue to stay here, + where's the money for your board comin' from?' + </p> + <p> + “'Board?' says Josh. + </p> + <p> + “'Yes, board! You don't reckon to run a visit over three months, do ye?' + </p> + <p> + “'Why, I didn't think there'd be any question of this sort between us, + Gid.' + </p> + <p> + “'Business is business. If you'd had more business to you, you wouldn't be + a pauper now.' + </p> + <p> + “'A pauper!' + </p> + <p> + “'That's what I said. You deeded this place to Cynthy Marshall, didn't ye? + Well, she has deeded it to me. 'Tain't much of a husband that don't have + his property in his own name.' + </p> + <p> + “'But see here, Gideon, you know why I deeded this property. You know how + matters have come out. Between brothers in such a case there should be no + such thing as stickin' to the letter of deeds.' + </p> + <p> + “'Nearer the relatives be to ye, closer you ought to follow the law,' + snapped Gid, 'or else ye'll get cheated worse than by a stranger!' + </p> + <p> + “'He didn't seem to be takin' any of that to himself.' + </p> + <p> + “'I've been thinkin' I'd give half the place to Cynthy as a weddin' + present, and we could—' + </p> + <p> + “'Why, you've given it all to her, hain't ye?' + </p> + <p> + “Josh had to say yes, of course. Never was any hand to argue his own + rights.” + </p> + <p> + “'Well, she has given it to me and it was hers to give. Now, I say, can ye + pay board?' + </p> + <p> + “'I haven't any money, Gid.' + </p> + <p> + “'Well, then, ye'll have to get a job somewhere. I don't need a hired man + just now. Ye won't starve, Josh. The gov'ment will take care of soldiers,' + he sneered. Then he got up and went into the house. + </p> + <p> + “That's the way it was told to me by Joshua Ward himself, Mr. Parker,” + concluded the postmaster. “He had to get out. He didn't have any money to + fight in law. He didn't want to stir up the thing on poor Cynthy's + account. And he was ashamed to have the whole world know how mean a man he + had for a brother.” + </p> + <p> + “What has become of this Joshua?” asked the young man, his heart hot with + new and fresh bitterness against this unspeakable tyrant of the timber + country. + </p> + <p> + “Josh did what so many other heart-broken men have done. He went into the + woods, on an island in Little Moxie, built a cabin, has his pension to + live on, and has become one of those queer old chaps such as you will find + scattered all the way from Holeb to New Brunswick. There's old Young at + Gulf Hagas, and the Mediator at Boarstone, and a lot like them. They call + Joshua the 'cat hermit of Moxie.' + </p> + <p> + “They say he's got cats round his place by the hundred. Spends all his + time in hunting meat and catching fish for 'em. Well, most everybody is + cranky about some notion or others, whether it's in the city or in the + woods, and I reckon that Josh has a right to keep cats if he wants to. No + one ever sees him out in civilization now. Cynthy's in the asylum. Most + people think it's just the trouble of the thing preying on her mind. And + then again, I guess that Gid wasn't ever any too good to her. Hard case, + ain't it, Mr. Parker?” The postmaster's voice trembled. + </p> + <p> + “It's as sad a story—as anger-stirring a story as I ever listened + to, Mr. Dodge,” replied the young man, passionately. “I cannot understand + how a scoundrel of that style should have been allowed to stamp roughshod + over people without a champion arising in some quarter. It is small wonder + that he has come to think that he can run the universe. He needs a + lesson.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no doubt about his needin' the lesson,” replied the postmaster. + “But for years half the wages that are paid out in this section have come + through the hands of Gideon Ward. Laboring men with families to support + and the traders have to stand in with him or be side-tracked. I don't know + as Gid ever did a real up-and-down crime, any more than what I've been + telling you—and some men in the world would be mean enough to gloss + all that over, saying that it's only right to look out for number one + first of all. But I tell ye honestly, Mr. Parker, Gid would have to do + something pretty desperate and open to have the prosecuting officers of + this county take it up against him. Now you can understand the width of + the swath he cuts in these parts. Where would the witnesses come from? He + owns his men, body and soul.” + </p> + <p> + Parker's forehead wrinkled doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think will be his next move in regard to me?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't make a guess, but you need smellers as long as a bobcat's and as + many eyes as a spider.” With this cheering opinion expressed, the + postmaster went away. + </p> + <p> + There was no more work for Parker on his plans that night. + </p> + <p> + The grim pathos of the story that he had heard haunted him. This pitiful + tragedy in real life stirred his youthful and impressionable sensibilities + to their depths. + </p> + <p> + Despite his brave outward demeanor during his tilt with the ferocious old + man he had feared within himself. He possessed no gladiatorial spirit and + did not relish fray for the sake of it. But he did have accurate notions + of right and wrong, of the justice of a cause and of manliness in standing + for it. He had exhibited that trait many times to the astonishment of + those who had been deceived by his quiet exterior. In this instance his + employers had put a trust into his hands. He had resolved to go through + with his task. But now there was added another incentive—a very + distinct determination to give Gideon Ward at least one check and lesson + in his career of wholesale domination. + </p> + <p> + A queer grief worked in his heart and a wistful tenderness moistened his + eyes as he thought upon that injured brother, living out his wrecked life + somewhere in the heart of those great woods about him. Perhaps there was a + bit of prescience in the warmth with which he dwelt on the subject, for + Fate had written that Joshua Ward was to play an important part in the + life of Rodney Parker. + </p> + <p> + He went to sleep with the sorrow of it all weighing his mind, and his + teeth gritting with determination as he reflected on Gideon Ward and his + ugly threats. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SEVEN—HOW “THE FRESH-WATER CORSAIRS” CAME TO SUNKHAZE + </h2> + <p> + In the morning Parker's foreman was waiting for him in the men's room of + the tavern. It was so early that the smoky kerosine lamp was still + struggling with the red glow of the dawn. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Parker,” said the foreman earnestly, “have you go it figured what the + old chap is goin' to do to us?” + </p> + <p> + “That is hardly a fair question to put to me Mank,” said the engineer, + pulling on his mittens. “You knew him up this way better than I. Now you + tell me what you expect him to do.” + </p> + <p> + But the foreman shook his head dubiously. + </p> + <p> + “It'll never come at a man twice alike,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes he just snorts and folks just run. Sometimes he kicks, + sometimes he bites, sometimes he rears and smashes things all to pieces. + But the idea is, you can depend on him to do something and do it quick and + do it mighty hard. We've known Gideon Ward a good many years up this way + and we've never seen him so mad before nor have better reason for being + mad. The men are worrying. I thought it right to tell you that much.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm worrying, too,” said Parker. He tried to speak jestingly, but + the heaviness of the night's foreboding was still upon him and the foreman + detected the nervousness in his voice. The man now showed his own + depression plainly. + </p> + <p> + “I was in hopes I could tell the men that you could see your way all free + and clear” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Then the men are worrying?” + </p> + <p> + “That they are, sir. A good many of us own houses here in Sunkhaze and + there's more than one way for Colonel Gideon Ward to get back at us. + Several of the boys came to me last night and wanted to quit. I understand + that the postmaster has been talking to you and he must have told you some + of the things that the old man done and hasn't been troubled about, either + by his conscience or the law. You see what kind of a position that puts us + in.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean that the crew is going to strike, or rather slip out from + under, do you, Mank?” asked Parker, struck by the man's demeanor. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'd hardly like to say that. I ain't commissioned to put it that + strong. But we've got to remember the fact that we'll probably want to + live here a number of years yet, and railroad building won't last forever. + Still, it's hardly about future jobs that we're thinking now. It's what is + liable to happen to us in the next few days. It will be tough times for + Sunkhaze settlement if the Gideonites swoop down on us, Mr. Parker.” + </p> + <p> + The engineer threw out his arms impetuously. + </p> + <p> + “But I'm in no position, Mank, to guarantee safety to the men who are + working for the company,” he cried. “It looks to me as tho I were standing + here pretty nigh single-handed. If I understand your meaning, I can't + depend on my crew to back me up if it comes to a clinch with the old + bear?” + </p> + <p> + “The boys here are not cowards,” replied the foreman with some spirit. + “They're good, rugged chaps with grit in 'em. Turn 'em loose in a woods + clearing a hundred miles from home and I'd match 'em man for man with any + crowd that Gid Ward could herd together. I don't say they wouldn't fight + here in their own door yards, Mr. Parker. They'd fight before they'd see + their houses pulled down or their families troubled. But as to fighting + for the property of this railroad company and then taking chances with the + Gideonites afterward—well, I don't know about that! It's too near + home!” Again the foreman shook his head dubiously. “As long as you can + reckon safely that the old one is goin' to do something, the boys thought + perhaps you'd notify the sheriff.” + </p> + <p> + But Parker remembered his instructions. Reporting his predicament to the + sheriff would mean sowing news of the Sunkhaze situation broadcast in the + papers. + </p> + <p> + “It isn't a matter for the sheriffs,” he replied shortly. “We'll consider + that the men are hired to transport material and not to fight. We can only + wait and see what will happen. But, Mank, I think that when the pinch + comes you will find that my men can be as loyal to me, even if I am a + stranger, as Ward's men are to the infernal old tyrant who has abused them + all these years. I'm going to believe so at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + He turned away and started out of doors into the crisp morning. “I'm going + to believe that last as long as I can,” he muttered. + </p> + <p> + “It'll help to keep me from running away.” + </p> + <p> + He found his crew gathered in the railroad yard near the heaps of unloaded + material for construction. The men eyed him a bit curiously and rather + sheepishly. + </p> + <p> + “I know how you stand, men,” he said cheerily. “I don't ask you to + undertake any impossibilities. I simply want help in getting this stuff + across Spinnaker Lake. Let's at it!” + </p> + <p> + His tone inspired them momentarily. + </p> + <p> + They were at least dauntless toilers, even if they professed to be + indifferent soldiers. + </p> + <p> + The sleds or skids were drawn up into the railroad yard by hand and loaded + there. Then they were snubbed down to the lake over the steep bank. On the + ice the “train” was made up. + </p> + <p> + Even Parker himself was surprised to find what a load the little + locomotive could manage. He made four trips the first day and at dusk had + the satisfaction of beholding many tons of rails, fish-plates and spikes + unloaded and neatly piled in the yarding place at the Spinnaker end of the + carry. + </p> + <p> + Between trips, while the men were unloading, he had opportunity to extend + his right-of-way lines for his swampers and attend to other details of his + engineering problem. + </p> + <p> + 'Twas a swift pace he set! + </p> + <p> + He dared to trust no one else in the cab of the panting “Swamp Swogon” as + engineer, and rushed back from his lines when the fireman signalled with + the whistle that they were ready for a return trip. It may readily be + imagined that with duties pressing on him in that fashion Parker had + little time in which to worry about the next move of Colonel Ward. And the + men worked as zealously as tho they too had forgotten the menace that + threatened in the north. + </p> + <p> + In three days fully half the weight of material had been safely landed + across the lake. + </p> + <p> + But on the evening of the third day Parker was more seriously alarmed by + the weather-frowns than he had been by the threats of Gideon Ward himself. + </p> + <p> + The postmaster presaged it, sniffing into the dusk with upturned nose and + wagging his head ominously. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon old Gid has got one more privilege of these north woods into his + clutch and is now handlin' the weather for the section,” he said. “For if + we ain't goin' to have a spell of the soft and moist that will put you out + of business for a while, then I miss my guess.” + </p> + <p> + It began with a fog and ended in a driving rainstorm that converted the + surface of the lake into an expanse of slush that there was no dealing + with. + </p> + <p> + Parker's experience had been with climatic conditions in lower latitudes + and in his alarm he believed that spring had come swooping in on him and + that the storm meant the breaking up of the ice or at least would weaken + it so that it would not bear his engine. + </p> + <p> + But the postmaster, who could be a comforter as well as a prophet of ill, + took him into the little enclosure of his inner office and showed him a + long list of records pencilled on the slide of his wicket. + </p> + <p> + “Ice was never known to break up in Spinnaker earlier than the first week + in May,” said Dodge, “and this rain-spitting won't open so much as a + riffle. You just keep cool and wait.” + </p> + <p> + At the end of the rain-storm the weather helped Parker to keep cool. He + heard the wind roaring from the northwest in the night. The frame of the + little tavern shuddered. Ice fragments, torn from eaves and gables, went + spinning away into the darkness over the frozen crust with the sound of + the bells of fairy sleighs. + </p> + <p> + When Parker, fully awakening in the early dawn, looked out upon the frosty + air, his breath was as visibly voluminous as the puff from an escape-valve + of the “Swogon.” With his finger-nail he scratched the winter enameling + from his window-pane, and through that peep-hole gazed out upon the lake. + The frozen expanse stretched steel-white, glary and glistening, a solid + sheet of ice. + </p> + <p> + “There's a surface,” cried Parker, in joyous soliloquy, “that will enable + the Swogon to haul as much as a P. K. & R. mogul! Jack Frost is + certainly a great engineer.” + </p> + <p> + He at once put a crew at work getting out more saplings for sleds. In two + more trips, with his extra “cars” and with that glassy surface, he + believed that every ounce of railroad material could be “yarded” at the + Po-quette Carry. When the sun went down redly, spreading its broad bands + of radiance across ice-sheeted Spinnaker, the Swogon stood bravely at the + head of twenty heavily loaded sleds. The start for the Carry was scheduled + to occur at daybreak. + </p> + <p> + The moon was round and full that evening, and Parker before turning in + went out and remained at the edge of the lake a moment, looking across + Spinnaker's vast expanse of silvery glory. + </p> + <p> + “You could take that train acrost the lake to-night, Mr. Parker,” + suggested the foreman, who had followed him from the post-office. “It's as + light as day.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” admitted the young man, “I just came out with the uneasy + feeling, somehow, that I ought to fire up and start out. I suppose the old + women would call it a presentiment. But the men have worked too hard + to-day to be called out for a night job. With a freeze like that we + haven't got to hurry on account of the weather.” + </p> + <p> + The foreman patted his ears briskly, for the night wind was sweeping down + the lake and squalling shrewishly about the corners of buildings in the + little settlement. Suddenly the man shot out a mittened hand, and pointed + up the lake. + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” he ejaculated. + </p> + <p> + Parker gazed. Far up Spinnaker a dim white bulk seemed to hover above the + ice. It was almost wraith-like in the moonlight. It flitted on like a huge + bird, and seemed to be rapidly advancing toward Sunkhaze. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/140.jpg" alt="A Dim White Hulk Seemed to Hover 117-140 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + “If it were summer-time and this were Sandy Hook,” said Parker, with a + smile, “I should think that perhaps the cup-race might be on.” + </p> + <p> + “I should say, rather, it is the ghost of Gid Ward's boom gunlow,” + returned the man, not to be outdone in jest. “He's got an old scow with a + sail like that.” + </p> + <p> + Both men surveyed the dim whiteness with increasing interest. + </p> + <p> + “Are there any ice-boats on the lake?” inquired the engineer. + </p> + <p> + “I never heard of any such thing hereabouts.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I have made that out to be an iceboat of some description. And with + that spread of sail it is making great progress.” Parker rolled up his + coat collar and pulled down his fur cap. A feeling of disquiet pricked + him. “I think I'll stay here a little while and watch that fellow,” he + said. + </p> + <p> + “So will I,” agreed his employé. + </p> + <p> + The approaching sail grew rapidly. Soon the craft was to be descried more + in detail. Under the sail was a flat, black mass. And now on the breeze + came swelling a chorus of rude songs, the melody of which was shot through + with howls and bellows of uproarious men. + </p> + <p> + “Trouble's coming there, Mr. Parker!” gasped the foreman, apprehensively. + “The wind behind 'em an' rum inside 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Ward's men, eh?” suggested the engineer. + </p> + <p> + “That they are! The Gideonites! They can't be anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “Get our men together!” Parker cried, clapping his gloved hands. “Rout out + every man in the settlement.” + </p> + <p> + The foreman started away on the run, banging on house doors and bawling + the cry: + </p> + <p> + “Whoo-ee! All up! Parker's crew turn out! All hands wanted at the lake!” + </p> + <p> + In the excitement of the moment Mank did not question the command nor + pause to reflect that he might be calling his neighbors into trouble that + they would not relish. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER EIGHT—THE LOCOMOTIVE THAT WENT SWIMMING AND THE ENGINEER WHO + WAS STOLEN + </h2> + <p> + In a few moments the bell of the little chapel was sending its jangling + alarm out over the village. Doors banged, men burst out of the houses and + poured down to the lake shore, buttoning their jackets as they ran. + </p> + <p> + They required no explanation. Ever since the incident at Poquette some + such irruption of Ward's reckless woods hordes had been anticipated. But + this tempestuous night arrival under sail, this sudden and terrifying + descent appalled the newly awakened men. + </p> + <p> + The craft was now close to shore, and was making for the stolid Swogon and + its waiting sleds. The stranger's method of construction could now be + distinguished, A good half-score of tote-sleds had been lashed together + into a sort of runnered raft The sail was the huge canvas used in summer + on Ward's lake scow. + </p> + <p> + As the great boat swung into the wind, a jostling crowd of men poured out + on the ice from under the flapping sail. Each man bore a tool of some + sort, either ax, cant-dog, iron-shod peavey-stick, or cross-cut saw; and + the moonshine flashed on the steel surfaces. It was plain that the party + viewed its expedition as an opportunity for reckless roistering, and + spirits had added a spur to the natural boisterous belligerency of the + woodsmen. + </p> + <p> + Most of Parker's crew had brought axes, and now as he advanced across the + ice toward the locomotive, his men followed with considerable display of + valor. + </p> + <p> + 'A giant whiskered woodsman led the onrush of the attacking force; and the + gang interposed itself between the railroad property and its defenders. + </p> + <p> + “Hold up there, right where ye are, all of ye!” the giant shouted. + </p> + <p> + “What is your business here?” demanded the young man. + </p> + <p> + “Are you that little railro'd chap that thinks he's runnin' this end of + the country on the kid-glove basis?” roared the big man. He swung his ax + menacingly. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Parker,” replied the engineer. “That is my property yonder. + You will have to let my men pass to it.” + </p> + <p> + The giant looked squarely over the engineer's head into the crowd of + Sunkhaze men. + </p> + <p> + “You all know me,” he cried, “an' if ye don't know me ye've heard of me! I + reckon Dan Connick is pretty well known hereabouts. Wal, that's me. Never + was licked, never was talked back to. These men behind me are all a good + deal like me. I know the most o' you men. I should hate to hurt ye. Your + wives are up there waitin' for ye to come home. Ye'd better go.” + </p> + <p> + But the crowd made no movement to retreat. Parker still stood at their + head. + </p> + <p> + “Ye'd better go!” bellowed Connick. “Understand? I said ye'd better go. Go + an' mind your business, an' if ye do that, not a man in my crew will step + a foot on the Sunk-haze shore. But if ye stay here and meddle, then down + come your houses and out go your cook-stoves. You know me! Get back on + shore.” + </p> + <p> + A tremendous roar from his men emphasized his demand. + </p> + <p> + “If ye want these hearties loose up there, ye can have 'em in about two + minutes!” he cried, threateningly. + </p> + <p> + The Sunkhaze contingent rubbed elbows significantly, mumbled in + conference, and scuffled slowly toward the shore. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to back down, men?” Parker shouted. + </p> + <p> + “We've got wives an' children an' houses up there, mister,” said a voice + from the crowd, “an' it's a cold night to be turned out-o'-doors. We know + these fellers better'n what you do.” + </p> + <p> + “But, men,” persisted Parker, “they won't dare to sack your village. Such + things are not done in these days. The law—” + </p> + <p> + “Law!” burst from Connick, jeeringly. “Law! Law!” echoed his men, with + mocking laughter. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” yelled Connick, “there ain't deputy sheriffs enough in this county + to round us up once we get acrost the Poquette divide! There ain't a + deputy sheriff that will dare to poke his nose within ten miles of our + camps.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right, Mr. Parker,” agreed one of the Sunkhaze crowd. “Once a crew + burnt a smokin'-car when they were comin' up from—” + </p> + <p> + “No yarns now, no yarns now!” Connick thrust himself against the Sunkhaze + men and roughly elbowed them back. “Get on shore an' stay there.” + </p> + <p> + Parker was left standing alone on the ice. His supporters scuffled away, + muttering angry complaints, but offering no resistance. When the giant + woodsman returned after hastening their departure, he was faced by the + young man, still defiant. Connick cocked his head humorously and looked + down on the engineer. Under all the big man's apparent fierceness there + had been a flash of rough jocoseness in his tones at times. Parker saw + plainly that he and his followers viewed the whole thing as a “lark,” and + entertained little respect for their adversaries. + </p> + <p> + “Connick, I warn you—” Parker began; but the giant chuckled, and + said, tauntingly: + </p> + <p> + “'Cluck, cluck!' said the bear. + </p> + <p> + “I want to say to you, sir, that you are dealing with a large proposition + if you propose to interfere with this railroad property. My backers—” + </p> + <p> + “'Bow-wow!' said the fish.” The woodsman cried the taunt more insolently, + and yet with a jeering joviality that irritated Parker more than downright + abuse would have done. + </p> + <p> + He started toward his engine, but Connick put out his big arm to + interpose. + </p> + <p> + “Poodle,” he said, “I've got a place for you. I'm the champion dog-catcher + of the West Branch region.” He reached for Parker's collar, but Parker + ducked under his arm, and as he came up struck out with a force that sent + the astonished giant reeling backward. Fury and desperation were behind + the blow. + </p> + <p> + “Wal, of all the—” gasped Connick, pushing back his cap and staring + in astonishment. His men laughed. + </p> + <p> + “I'll wring your neck, you bantam!” he bawled; and he came down on Parker + with a rush. + </p> + <p> + On that slippery surface the odds were with the defensive. Moreover, + Parker, having an athlete's confidence in his fists, suddenly responded to + the instincts of primordial man. He leaped lightly to one side, caught the + rushing giant's foot across his instep, and as Connick's moccasined feet + went out from under him, the young engineer struck him behind the ear. He + fell with a dismal thump of his head on the ice, and lay without motion. + </p> + <p> + But Parker's panting triumph was shortlived. As he stood over the giant, + gallantly waiting for him to rise, he discovered that the rules of + scientific combat were not observed in the woods. A half-dozen brawny + woodsmen leaped upon him, seized him, threw him down, tied his arms and + legs with as little ceremony as if he were a calf, and tossed him upon the + ice-boat. + </p> + <p> + Connick had risen to a sitting posture, and viewed the struggle with + mutterings of wrath while he rubbed his bumped head. + </p> + <p> + He scrambled up as if to interfere, but as his antagonist had by this time + been disposed of, he roared a few sharp orders, and his willing crew set + at work. Men with axes chopped holes a few feet apart in a circle about + the engine. There were many choppers, and although the ice was three feet + thick, the water soon came bubbling through. As soon as a hole was cut, + other men stuck down their huge cross-cuts and began to saw the ice. + </p> + <p> + All too soon Parker, craning his neck where he lay on the ice-boat, heard + an ominous buckling and crackling of ice, and saw his faithful Swogon + disappear below the surface of the lake, her mighty splash sending the + water gushing like a silvery geyser into the moonlight. The attached + sleds, loaded with the rails and spikes and other material, followed like + a line of huge, frightened beavers seeking their hole. + </p> + <p> + “There,” ejaculated Connick, wiping the sweat from his brow, “when that + hole freezes up the Poquette Carry Railro'd will be canned for a time, + anyway. Now three cheers for Colonel Gid Ward!” + </p> + <p> + The cheers were howled vociferously. + </p> + <p> + He pointed to the men of the settlement, who were now joined by their + wives and children, and were watching operations from the bank. + </p> + <p> + “Three cheers for the brave men and the sweet ladies o' Sunkhaze!” + </p> + <p> + Loud laughter followed these cheers. The people on the shore remained + discreetly silent. + </p> + <p> + “Three groans for the Poquette Railro'd!” + </p> + <p> + The hoarse cries rang out on the crisp night wind, and at the close one of + those queer, splitting, wide-reaching, booming crackles, heard in the + winter on big waters, spread across the lake from shore to shore. + </p> + <p> + “Even the old lake's with us!” a woodsman shouted. + </p> + <p> + Connick and his men had finished what they had come to Sunkhaze to do. + They climbed aboard the huge ice-craft. The sheet was paid off, and with + dragging peavey-sticks instead of centerboard to hold the contrivance into + the wind, the boat moved away on its tack across the lake. + </p> + <p> + “Say good-by to your friend here!” Connick bellowed. “He says he thinks + he'll go with us, strange country for to see.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell inquirin' admirers that his address in futur' will be north pole, + shady side,” another rough humorist added. + </p> + <p> + The men on the shore did not reply. They understood perfectly the + uncertain temper of “larking” woodsmen. There had been cases in times past + when a taunting word had turned rude jollity into sour hankering for + revenge. + </p> + <p> + The bottle began to go about on the sleds, and the refrain of a + lumberman's chorus, with its riotous, “Whoop fa la larry, lo day!” came + floating back to Sunkhaze long after the great sail had merged itself with + the silvery radiance of the brilliant surface of the lake. + </p> + <p> + “Apparently there's other folks as have new schemes of travellin' acrost + Spinnaker Lake,” observed the postmaster, breaking a long silence in the + group of spectators. “Wal, I did all I could to post him on what he might + expect when Gid Ward got his temper good an' started. It's too bad to see + that property dumped that way, tho.” + </p> + <p> + “Ain't Gid Ward ever goin' to suffer for any of his actions?” demanded + Parker's foreman, disgustedly. + </p> + <p> + “What are we goin' to do?” bleated another man. + </p> + <p> + “I'll write a letter to the high sheriff,” said the postmaster, and then + he added, bitterly, “an' he'll prob'ly wait till it's settled goin' in the + spring, same's he did when we sent down that complaint about Ward's men + wreckin' Johnson's store. An' by that time he'll forget all about comin'. + Talk about kings and emperors! If we hain't got one on West Branch waters, + then you can brand me for a liar with one of my own date stamps.” + </p> + <p> + Parker maintained grim silence as he lay on the sled. No one spoke to him. + The men were too busy with songs and rough jests over the business of the + evening. The engineer would not confess to himself that he was frightened, + but the wantonness and alacrity with which the irresponsible men had + destroyed valuable property impressed him with ominous apprehension of + what they might do to him. He wondered what revenge Connick was + meditating. + </p> + <p> + It was a strange and tedious ride for the young man. The woodsmen sat + jammed so closely about him that he could see only the frosty stars + glimmering wanly in the moonlight. When the songs and the roaring + conversations were stilled for a moment, he could hear the lisp of the + runners on the smooth surface and the slashing grind of the iron-clad + peavey-sticks. + </p> + <p> + Although the bodies of his neighbors had kept the cold blast from him, he + staggered on his numb feet when they untied his bonds at Poquette and + ordered him to get off the sled. Connick came along and gazed on the young + man grimly while they were freeing him. + </p> + <p> + “Aha, my bantam!” he growled. + </p> + <p> + Parker braced himself to meet a blow. He felt that the giant would now + take satisfactory vengeance for the discomfiture he had suffered before + his men at Sunkhaze. Connick raised his hand, that in its big mitten + seemed like a cloud against the moon, and brought it down. The young man + gathered himself apprehensively, but the expected assault was merely a + slap on his shoulder—a slap with such an unmistakable air of + friendliness about it that Parker gazed up into the man's face with + astonishment. Now he was to experience his first taste of the rude + chivalry of the woods, a chivalry often based on sudden whim, but none the + less sincere and manly—a chivalry of which he was to have further + queer experience. + </p> + <p> + “My bantam,” said the big man, admiringly, “faith, but that was a tidy + bito' footwork ye done down at Sunkhaze.” Good-humored grins and rueful + scowls chased one another over his face, according as he patted Parker's + back or rubbed the bump on his own head. “Sure, there's a big knob there, + my boy. There's only one thing that's harder than your fist, an' that's + Spinnaker ice.” + </p> + <p> + Parker attempted some embarrassed reply in way of apology, for this + magnanimity of his foe touched him. The giant put up a protesting hand. + </p> + <p> + “Ye sartin done it good, my little man, an' I'm glad to know ye better. + But Colonel Gid Ward, sure he lied about ye, or I'd never called ye names + at Sunkhaze.” + </p> + <p> + “You didn't expect that man to tell the truth about me, did you?” Parker + demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Why, he said ye was a little white-livered sneak that wouldn't dare to + put up your hands to a Sunkhaze mosquito of the June breed, an' that ye + were tryin' to come in here an' do business amongst real men. I couldn't + stand that, I couldn't!” + </p> + <p> + “But my business—my reasons for being here—my + responsibilities!” cried Parker. “I see he must have lied about that part + of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I don't know anything about your business, nor care!” Connick + growled. “I only know there's something about a Poquette railro'd in it. + But all that's between you and Gid Ward. You can talk that over with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to tell me that you and your men have destroyed that railroad + property without having any special grudge against the project?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, railro'ds ain't any of our business,” the giant replied, with his + eyes wide open and frank. + </p> + <p> + “What are you—slaves?” Parker cried, angrily. In addition to his + lesson in woods' thivalry he was getting education regarding the + irresponsibility of these unconventional children of the wild lands. + </p> + <p> + The taunt did not seem to anger the men. + </p> + <p> + “This railro'd is Gid Ward's business,” said Connick. “We work for Gid + Ward, He owns the Poquette land, don't he? He said he didn't want any + railro'd there. He told us to come down an' dump the thing. We come down, + of course it's been dumped. You can fix that with him. But you're a good + little fighter, my man. He didn't tell the truth about you.” + </p> + <p> + The young man groaned. The ethics of the woods were growing more opaque to + his understanding. + </p> + <p> + “I'll introduce myself more formal,” said the woodsman, apparently with + affable intent to be better acquainted with this young man who had shown + that he possessed the qualities admired in the forest. “My name is Dan + Connick, and these here are my hearties from Number 7 cuttin'.” He waved + his hand, and the nearest men growled good-humored greetings. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Connick,” said Parker, dryly, “I thank you for the evening's + entertainment, and now that you have done your duty to Colonel Ward I + suppose I may return to Sunkhaze.” His heart sank as he thought of the + poor Swogon weltering in the depths of the lake. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ye've got to come along with us!” beamed Connick. “Colonel Ward has + sent for ye!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER NINE—UP THE WINDING WAY TO THE “OGRE OF THE BIG WOODS.” + </h2> + <p> + “I have no further business with Colonel Ward at this time,” protested + Parker, amazed at Connick's refusal to release him. “Wal, he says you + have, an' them's our orders. The men that work for Gid Ward have to obey + orders.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Colonel Ward has already injured me enough,” exclaimed Parker, + bitterly, “without dragging me away into the woods fifty or a hundred + miles from my duty! I'll not see any more of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but ye will, tho!” Connick was grinning, but under his amiability his + tones were decisive. “I don't know what he wants to talk with you about, + but I reckon it's railroad. We here can't do that with ye. So ye'll have + to come along. But we all think you're a smart little man. Ain't that so, + hearties?” + </p> + <p> + The men growled gruff assent. + </p> + <p> + “Ye see, ye're pop'lar with us,” Connick went on. “Ye can be as friendly + with us as tho we was your brothers, but ye don't want to try any + shenanigan trick like dodgin' away. We've been told to take you to Number + 7 camp, and to that camp ye're goin'. So understandin' that we'll move. + There's a snack waitin' here for us at the carry camp, and then for the + uptrail.” The men moved along, taking Parker with them in the center of + the group. + </p> + <p> + “How far is it to Number 7?” the young man inquired, despondently. + </p> + <p> + “They call it fifty miles from the other end of the carry. Ye needn't walk + a step if ye don't want to. There's a moose sled an' plenty of men to haul + ye.” + </p> + <p> + After a breakfast of hot beans, biscuits and steaming tea at the camp, the + procession moved. Parker was wrapped in tattered bunk blankets and + installed in state on a long, narrow sledge. He was given the option of + getting off and walking whenever he needed the exercise to warm himself. + </p> + <p> + The march was brisk all that day, for the brawny woodsmen followed the + snowy trail unflaggingly. After the six miles of the carry tote-road, + their way led up the crooked West Branch on the ice. There were detours + where the open waters roared down rough gorges fast enough to dodge the + chilling hand of Jack Frost; there were broad dead waters where the river + widened into small lakes. Parker was oppressed by the nervous dread of one + who enters a strange new country and faces a danger toward which a fate + stronger than he is pressing him. + </p> + <p> + At noon they ate a lunch beside a crackling fire which warmed the cooked + provisions they had brought from the carry camp. + </p> + <p> + Parker walked during the afternoon to ease his cold-stiffened limbs. + Toward dusk the party left the river and turned into a tote-road that + writhed away under snow-laden spruces and hemlocks, coiled its way about + rocky hummocks, and curved in “whip-lashes” up precipitous hillsides. + There was not a break in the forest that stretched away on either hand. + </p> + <p> + Late in the evening they saw in a valley below them a group of log huts, + their snowy roofs silvered by the moonlight. Yellow gleams from the low + windows showed that the camp was occupied. + </p> + <p> + “That's the Sourdanheunk baitin'-place,” Connick explained, in answer to a + question from his captive. “One o' Ward's tote-team hang-ups an' + feedin'-places.” + </p> + <p> + The cook, a sallow, tall man encased in a dirty canvas shroud of an apron, + was apparently expecting the party. More beans, more biscuits, more + steaming tea—and then a bunk was spread for Parker. His previous + night of vigil and his day spent in the wind had benumbed his faculties, + and he speedily forgot his fears and his bitter resentment in profound + slumber. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the cook's “Whoo-ee!” called the men before the dawn, and + they were away while the first flushes presaged the sunrise. It seemed + that day that the tortuous tote-road would never end. Valley succeeded to + “horseback” and “horseback” to valley. Woods miles are long miles. + </p> + <p> + Parker's railroad eye and engineer's discernment bitterly condemned the + divagations of the wight who wandered first along that trail and imposed + his lazy dodgings on all who might come after him. The young man amused + himself by reflecting that the tote-road was an excellent example of the + persistence of human error, and in these and other philosophical + ponderings he was able to draw his mind partially from its uncomfortable + dwellings on the probabilities awaiting him at the hands of Gideon Ward. + </p> + <p> + The sun was far down in the west and the road under the spruces was dusky, + when a singular obstacle halted the march. A tremendous thrashing and + crashing at one side of the road signaled the approach of some large + animal. A network of undergrowth hid the identity of this unknown, and the + men instinctively huddled together and displayed some uncertainty as to + whether they should remain or run. But the suspense was soon over, for the + nearer bushes parted suddenly and out upon the tote-road floundered an + immense moose, his bulbous nose wagging, his bristly mane twitching, his + stilted fore legs straddled defiantly. + </p> + <p> + The next moment a great bellow of laughter went up from the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “The joke's on us!” cried a woodsman, who had been among the first to + retreat. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo, Ben Bouncer!” Connick shouted. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by playin' peek-a-boo with your friends in that manner?” + </p> + <p> + The moose uttered a hoarse <i>whuffle</i>. + </p> + <p> + “This is Ben Bouncer, the mascot of Number 7 camp,” the foreman announced. + He pushed Parker to the front rank of the group. “He won't hurt ye,” he + added. “He has got used enough to men to be a little sassy, an' he's got + colty on Gid Ward's grain, but he's mostly bluff.” + </p> + <p> + The engineer gazed on the moose with considerable interest, for the + spectacle was entirely new. + </p> + <p> + “Ben went to loafin' round 7 camp early this winter. He yarded down here + two miles or so. You understand, of course, that a moose picks out a good + feedin'-place in winter, when the deep snows come, a place where he can + reach a lot of twigs and yards there, as they call it in the woods.” + </p> + <p> + “When the snow got crusty and scraped his legs, Ben seemed to have a tired + fit come over him, and began to come closer an' closer to the horse hovels + to steal what loose hay he could. No one round the camp wanted to hurt + him. After a time we all became sort of interested in him, and toled him + up to the camp by leavin' hay an' grain round where he could get at it. + You can see what a big fat fellow we've made of him. Our feedin' him makes + the colonel mad, for hay is worth something by the time ye get it in here + to camp. I bet if ye put it all together the colonel has chased him more'n + forty miles with a bow whip. + </p> + <p> + “He was goin' to shoot Ben, but the boys got up on their ear and made it + known that if he killed the camp mascot they'd throw up their jobs. An' if + you know anything about a woods crew you'd know it's the little things + that they get the maddest about. An' now whenever the colonel comes round + he takes it out in chasin' Ben with a whip. Ben just lopes round in a + circle of a mile or two, and comes back lookin' reproachful, but still + perfectly satisfied with Number 7 as a winter residence. The boys think a + lot of Ben. Ben thinks a lot of the boys. But the colonel is sp'ilin' his + temper some with that bow whip. I reckon why Ben jest come out there + lookin' so savage was because he thought old Ward was comin' up to camp.” + </p> + <p> + The moose finished his critical survey of the group, snorted, and then + thrust himself out of sight in the bushes. + </p> + <p> + “If we ever have any serious fallin' out with Colonel Gid it's like to be + over that moose,” drawled a man. + </p> + <p> + “To judge by the moose, we must be near Number 7 camp,” Parker suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Just over the hossback,” was the laconic answer. + </p> + <p> + Parker was soon looking down on it from the hilltop. There were two long, + low main camps—one for the sleeping quarters of the men, the other + crowded with long, roughly made tables, at which they ate, The space that + separated the camps was roofed and had one side open to the weather. This + shelter was called the “dingle,” and contained the camp grindstone and + spare sled equipment. + </p> + <p> + At a little distance was a small camp containing the stores, such as + moccasins, larigans, leggings, flannel shirts and mittens, all for sale at + double the prices ruling in the city and for Colonel Ward's profit. The + woods name for this store is the “wangan camp.” + </p> + <p> + The hour was still too early for the few men left at Number 7 to be in + from the cutting. Only the cook and his helper, “the cookee,” were at the + camp. + </p> + <p> + The cook came out and advanced to meet the new arrivals, having been + attracted from his kettles and pans by the view-halloo they sent down from + the hilltop. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel left word to lock him in the wangan,” reported the cook, rolling + his bare arms more tightly in his dingy apron. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the colonel?” asked Connick. + </p> + <p> + “He's out at the log landin'. Be in at supper-time, so he said.” The cook + eyed the captive with curiosity not unmixed with commiseration. “Has he + been takin' on much?” he inquired of one of the men. + </p> + <p> + “Nope. Stiff upper lip—an' he licked Dan,” the man added, behind his + palm. + </p> + <p> + “Sho!” the cook ejaculated, looking on Parker with new interest. “Ain't he + worried by thinkin' of the colonel?” + </p> + <p> + “Naw-w! Says he'll eat him raw!” fabricated the men, enjoying the cook's + amazement. “Says he's glad to come up here. Been hankerin' to get at Ward, + he says.” + </p> + <p> + “Wal, you don't say!” The cook surveyed Parker from head to foot with + critical inspection. This scrutiny annoyed the young man at last. + </p> + <p> + “Do I owe you anything?” He snapped. + </p> + <p> + “Heh—wal—blorh-h—wal, I hope ye don't!” spluttered the + cook, retreating. “Land, ain't he a savage one?” he gasped, as he hastened + back into his realm of pots. He transferred his news to the amazed cookee. + </p> + <p> + “They tell me,” he magnified, so as not to be outdone in sensationalism, + “that this feller has licked every man that they've turned him loose on + between here and Sunkhaze, an' now is just grittin' his teeth a-waitin' + for the colonel.” + </p> + <p> + “Wal,” said the cookee, solemnly, “if the r'yal Asiatic tiger—meanin' + Colonel Gid—and the great human Bengal—meanin' him as is in + the wangan—get together in this clearin', I think I'd rather see it + from up a tree.” And the two were only diverted from their breathless + discussion of possibilities by the noisy arrival of Gideon Ward, clamoring + for his supper. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/174.jpg" alt="Colonel Ward Stamped in 149-174 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + Parker had hardly finished in solitude his humble supper brought by the + cookee, when there was a rattling of the padlock outside. Open flew the + door of bolted planks, and Colonel Ward stamped in, kicking the snow from + his feet with wholly unnecessary racket of boots. A hatchet-faced man, + whose chin was framed between the ends of a drooping yellow mustache, + followed meekly and closed the door. Parker rose with a confident air he + was far from feeling. + </p> + <p> + Ward gazed on his prisoner a moment, his gray hair bristling from under + his fur cap, his little eyes glittering maliciously. His cheek knobs were + more irately purple than ever. He took up his cry where he had left it at + Poquette Carry, and began to shout: + </p> + <p> + “Better'n law, hey? Better'n law! Ye remember what I said, don't yeh? + Better'n law!” + </p> + <p> + The young man faced him. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Ward, there's a law against trespass, a law against conspiracy, a + law against riots and destruction of property, and a law against + abduction. I promise you here and now that you'll learn something about + those laws later.” + </p> + <p> + “Still threat'nin' me right on my own land, are yeh, hey?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not threatening. I am simply standing up for my rights as a citizen + under the law.” + </p> + <p> + “Wal, I ain't here to argue law nor nothin' else with yeh. I've had you + brought up here so's I can talk straight business with you. You've had a + pretty tart lesson, but I hope you've learned somethin' by it. I've showed + ye that a railro'd can't be built over Gideon Ward's property till he says + the word. An' he'll never say the word. Ye're licked. Own up to it, now + ain't ye?” Ward's voice was mighty with a conqueror's confidence. + </p> + <p> + “Not by any means. You have simply incurred the penalty of being sent to + state prison. And while you're there I'll be building that railroad.” + </p> + <p> + Fury fairly streamed from Ward's eyes. He choked, grasped at his throat, + writhed as if he were strangling, and stamped his foot until the camp + shook. At last he recovered his voice. + </p> + <p> + “I'll pay ye for that! Now see here!” He jammed a paper into Parker's + hands. “Sign that docyment, there an' now. Sign it an' swear ye'll stick + by your agreement; 'cause if ye go back on it, may the Lord have mercy on + your soul, for Gid Ward never will!” + </p> + <p> + Parker glanced at the crudely drawn agreement. It bound him as agent for + his principals to withdraw all material from the Po-quette Carry, and + abandon his railroad undertaking. It furthermore promised that he would + make no complaint on account of damages to property or himself—admitting + that he had been guilty of trespass. + </p> + <p> + Parker indignantly held the paper toward the colonel. The latter refused + to take it. + </p> + <p> + “Sign it!” he roared. “Sign it, or you'll take your medicine!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think I am a fool, Colonel Ward? Or are you one? I cannot bind my + principals in any such manner. Furthermore, a signature obtained under + duress is of no value in court. I claim that I am under duress.” + </p> + <p> + “You refuse to sign, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Absolutely. It would be easy enough to sign that paper and then go away + and do as I like. But I am not going to lie to you even for a moment. The + paper would be worthless in court.” + </p> + <p> + “It ain't a paper that's goin' into court,” Ward retorted. “It's a paper + by which you agree to get out of here. It's you an' me. It just means that + ro'd shan't be built.” + </p> + <p> + “Put into other words, I am to be scared out, and run back home and report + that the road is impracticable?” + </p> + <p> + “There's no one else in the world but you that would be fool enough to + start in here an' buck me!” Ward shouted. + </p> + <p> + “And therefore you think if I agree to leave, no one else will dare to + undertake the thing? You do me too much honor, Colonel Ward. But I repeat, + I shall not run away.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you realize I have gone too far into this thing to pull back now? I + warn you that I may have to do things I don't like to do in order to + protect myself. I can't back out now—no, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “You shouldn't have started in, then!” Parker sat down and looked away as + if the incident were closed. He slowly tore up the agreement and tossed + the pieces on the floor. + </p> + <p> + This bravado made Ward choke. + </p> + <p> + “Stand right up, do you, an' threaten to put me into state prison?” + </p> + <p> + “You went into this with your eyes open. You must take the consequences. + You are a business man, and are supposed to have arrived at years of + understanding. This matter isn't like kicking over a mud house at school.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, I've got every lumber operator in this section behind me in + this matter. You hain't realized yet what you're up against.” + </p> + <p> + “If that is the case,” Parker replied, his eyes kindling, “I can see that + this state is in for one of the big scandals of its history.” + </p> + <p> + Ward, who had been carried away by his passion and desire to intimidate, + understood now how this admission would compromise men who would be ruined + politically if any hint of such an illegal combination should be noised + abroad. + </p> + <p> + When he had offered to defeat the actual construction of the road, he had + been warned that he must take all the responsibility upon himself. He had + willingly assumed it, for he was as proud of his reputation for savage + obstinacy as other men are of popular credit for more noble attributes. + Col. Gideon Ward had confidently boasted to his associates that he would + prevent the building of the Poquette railroad. He would rather lose half + his fortune than confess to them that he had been beaten by a youth. + </p> + <p> + Now his hardy nature shivered at the thought that not only might the youth + win, but that he had the power to make the agent of the timber barons + doubly execrated and an outcast among his own people. Ward was faced by + the most serious problem of his life, and the uncomfortable reflection + pricked him that he had allowed his anger to steal his brains. + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” said he, “I've been on earth a good while longer'n you have. + I expect to stay some time yet. And I expect to live right here in this + section. <i>You</i> hain't got to live here. Now do you think Gid Ward can + afford to be put on his back just yet? I know just who'd tromp on me, an' + I know it better'n you. Now I tell you fair an' square you've got to give + in.” He bellowed the word “got” and thunked his fist on his knee. + </p> + <p> + “There is no answer to that required from me, Colonel Ward.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, then. Come along, Hackett!” Ward commanded. “We'll give this + critter a little time to figure this thing over, an' think whether he's + got any friends that he'd like to get back to.” They went out and locked + the door. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TEN—THE WANGAN DUEL + </h2> + <p> + AFTER the fashion of any prisoner, Parker's initial impulse was to examine + the place in which he was confined. At first, escape was in his mind. The + more he pondered on the lawless performance of the old timber baron and on + the wilful destruction of the company's property, the more eager he was to + get to a telegraph instrument. + </p> + <p> + Nothing had been taken from his person. He had his huge, sharp, + jack-knife. The door was strong and thick but he believed that if he + attacked the wood vigorously he might be able to whittle out the lock. + </p> + <p> + There were wooden bars on the windows outside and within, rude protection + against thieves who might want to ransack the stock of the wangan store. + His stout knife would take care of them, too. + </p> + <p> + But after whittling vigorously at a bar for a few moments he stopped + suddenly, shut his knife and rammed it into his pocket with an exclamation + of sudden resolve. + </p> + <p> + He reflected that even if he got out of the camp that night, he was more + than fifty miles from Poquette, the only point in that wilderness whose + location was known to him. He was without food for a journey and had his + weary way to make through Gideon Ward's own country. + </p> + <p> + “He has brought me here to bluster at me and frighten me into running away + out of the section,” he reflected. “I'll stay and disappoint him.” + </p> + <p> + His own respect for law and order was still so strong within him that he + feared no extreme measures. His honest belief was that the colonel, like + most men who find they have picked up a brick too hot for them, would drop + him in good time and allow him to return to his work. + </p> + <p> + In order to force the old man to this issue he determined to put on a bold + front, defy his captor still more doggedly and in the end accept release + under conditions of his own making. He felt that Ward was compromised and + now to a certain extent in his power. + </p> + <p> + It was a decidedly comforting reflection, that, for a prisoner, and he + tucked himself into the blankets of his bunk and went to sleep with his + mind eased. + </p> + <p> + The cook's shrill morning call woke him and without rising he listened to + the bustle of men preparing for the day's work. He heard the continuous + rattle of tin dishes, the mellow rasp of axes on turning grindstones, the + squeak of footsteps departing over the crisp snow and the squealing of the + runners of sleds. And when all were gone, there was as yet only the + faintest glimmering of the dawn against the window of the wangan camp. + </p> + <p> + The engineer was up and dressed when the key rattled in the door. Colonel + Ward came first, “sipping” his tongue against his teeth in a manner that + showed he had just finished breakfast. The morning light showed redly on + his face as he came ill, and in that glow he seemed to be in more gracious + spirit than on the evening before. + </p> + <p> + The man who had previously accompanied him, the man of the hatchet visage, + followed at his heels bearing several tin dishes that contained breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “There ain't no intention here to starve ye nor use ye in any ways + contrary to gen'ral regulations—that is, so fur as we can help,” + began the colonel. “Of course, if you were a little more reasonable and + bus'ness-like we could use you better. Hackett, set down the breakfast! + Fall to, young man, and eat hearty jest as tho ye relished your vittles.” + </p> + <p> + It was evident that Colonel Ward was making desperate attempts to appear + cordial. + </p> + <p> + He even endeavored to force a smile but it was hardly more than a ridging + of his cheek muscles under his bristly beard. Parker imagined that he + could hear the skin crackling at this unaccustomed facial twist. The + struggle to appear cheerful was so grim that the engineer dreaded his + antagonist in this new guise more than he did when he was brutally open in + his warfare. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, Hackett,” commanded the colonel. “Hackett's a friend o' mine—that + is, in so far as I have friends, and he might as well be here to listen to + what I have to say to you and what you have to say to me. There's northin' + like a witness of transactions, Mr. Parker. Now you and me ain't got + together right up to now. I'm allus pretty much fussed up by my bus'ness + and kept cross-grained all the time by havin' to handle so many blasted + fool woodsmen, and the man that meets me for the first time might + natch-rally think I was uglier'n a Injun devil in fly-time—which I + ain't, Parker, No, I ain't I want you and me should be good friends and + bus'ness men together, which we ain't been so far, all on account of a + misunderstandin'. Now, you're goin' to find me square and honest and + open.” + </p> + <p> + Ward looked at the young man eagerly and waited as tho for some + encouraging word. + </p> + <p> + “Even under the circumstances in which you have placed me, not only on my + personal account but with my employers, by destroying their property,” + said Parker, after pondering a moment, “I am ready to talk business with + you if you are now ready to talk it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let's say that we can talk it all nice and friendly. Won't you say + that you'll talk it all nice and friendly?” He had Hackett in the corner + of his eye, as tho soliciting that individual to take careful note of the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “The fact is, Colonel Ward,” replied the engineer, “human nature isn't to + be driven to and fro quite like an ox team. What I mean by that is, I + might say, 'Go to, now! Be friends!'—say that to myself. But that + wouldn't make me feel friendly—not in present circumstances. But I'm + going to say to you that I'd like to be friends, and if you will start in + now and show me some reason why we should be friends I'll give you my word + to come more than half way.” + </p> + <p> + “Wal, that sounds reasonable and as much as any one can expect on short + notice,” broke in Hackett, who sat straining his attention. + </p> + <p> + “You shut up, Hackett,” roared the colonel, who realized Parker's mental + reservation better than his man Friday. “I'll show ye all in good time why + we should be friends, Parker,” he went on, addressing the engineer. “But + first of all I'll show ye how much it is goin' to hurt me to have that + railroad built acrost Poquette. And when I show you that, then you'll + understand what the trouble was that you and me didn't start in on the + basis of good friends. I tell ye, Parker, it's a serious proposition for + me and my associates. I can tell ye just why that road can't and mustn't + be built.” + </p> + <p> + The old man straddled his legs, leaned forward and set his right + forefinger into his left palm with the confident air of one who is + prepared to prove his contentions. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” he went on, “that the road must not be built, and as a business + man—” + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Ward,” broke in Parker, mildly yet firmly, “if that line of talk + is what you are proposing to me I think I'd better tell you at the start + that you'll have to take the question of whether the road must or must not + be built to my employers. I have no right to enter upon any such + discussion. Nothing will be gained. They have sent me to Poquette to build + the road. I shall keep on with the work until my first orders are + countermanded from our headquarters. And if you want them countermanded + you'll be obliged to go to headquarters. It seems to me that ought to be + pretty plain to you.” + </p> + <p> + The old man, his finger still boring his palm, sat for some moments and + stared at the engineer. He tried to keep from scowling but his brows + twisted into knots in spite of himself. + </p> + <p> + “You <i>will</i> keep on till orders are countermanded, hey?” he inquired + grimly. “Ain't you got no commonsense nor reason to you?” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't a question of that, Colonel. It's a question of obeying my + employers.” + </p> + <p> + The old man gave him another thorough looking-over and then whirled on + Hackett. + </p> + <p> + “You go 'tend to something else,” he ordered bluffly. And after Hackett + had closed the door on himself he again turned to his scrutiny of the + young engineer. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't no great hand to beat about the bush, young feller,” he declared. + “Now look at the position you're in. You might say, you're more than half + queered already with your company. Your engine and all that collateral has + been dumped into the lake—sayin' nothin' about how it happened. The + main point is, it's there! And you're here! I ain't makin' any threats—not + as yet—but you're here, and you can't gainsay that much. Now the + idea is, with your stuff under water and you here, how long do you think + it's goin' to be before you git to work ag'in?” + </p> + <p> + Parker made no reply. + </p> + <p> + “Needn't answer any question that you can't answer,” continued Ward. “And + that's one that you can't answer. You tell me you've got to build that + road. You're goin' to tell me that if you don't build it some one else + will. Mebbe they will! Mebbe they will!” His eyes grew shrewd. “Mebbe I'll + build it myself! I can say this much, that I'd rather build it than have + outsiders come in here and git a foothold. There's too big interests in + this region and owned by them that's allus lived here, my son, to have + outsiders come in now and meddle. It's the very first run of potater bugs + that you want to keep out of the garden. And the first run can be handled + easier than the settlers after they have set up housekeeping. Now you see + the point, I reckon! So the whole thing simmers down to this: I want to + discourage them city fellers. It's a long arm they're reachin' down this + way, and I won't have to tread on their fingers many times till they'll be + mighty glad to pull back. It's only a side issue with them, and they won't + let a side issue keep 'em awake too many nights when there's a way to get + rid of the bother. When they are discouraged enough to be willin' to sell + the charter and the stuff they've got on the spot—and under water,” + he added with a wicked grin, “then I'll step in with the cash in my hand. + I reckon we can handle our own railroad build-in' down this way. If I + ain't got you discouraged already, young man, then I don't understand + human natur' as well as I think I do. So now I want to hire you in the + discouragin' business—you understand it fairly well. I need an + assistant discourager. And here's my proposition! I'll give ye five + thousand dollars bonus smack down in your fist and promise you in the name + of the Lumbermen's Association a steady job. We're goin' to build three + big dams along the West Branch and a four-mile canal cut-off at + headwaters. You'll find work enough, if that's what you're lookin' for.” + </p> + <p> + “And you'll be looking for me to sell out your interests at my first + opportunity,” said Parker. + </p> + <p> + “Ours is a different proposition—a different proposition,” blurted + Ward earnestly. “Your men ain't got any right to be here on our own + stamping ground—not as bus'ness men. We ain't goin' down where they + are to bother them. They hadn't ought to be up here. If you leave 'em and + come with us we'll consider that it's showin' that you understand what a + square deal in bus'ness matters means. And furthermore,” he said with a + certain air as tho he had reserved his trump card, “we'll make our trade + in black and white for a ten years' contract at a third more wages than + your railroad people are paying and tip you off regular on timber deals + where you can make an extry dollar. I don't mind tellin' ye, Parker, that + I've had ye looked up and I know that we ain't buyin' any gold brick.” + This with a certain cordiality. + </p> + <p> + “I must say, Colonel Ward, that you have taken a rather peculiar method of + getting me interested in your enterprises.” Parker's tone was a bit + resentful, but the old man believed he could understand that resentment, + and grew more cheerful and confident. + </p> + <p> + “You had to be discouraged,” chuckled the colonel. “Didn't I tell you that + you had to be discouraged? Why, if you hadn't been shown what kind of a + proposition you were up against you might have kept on thinkin' that the + P. K. &. R. railroad company was the biggest thing in the world. All + young men want to work for the biggest folks. But I reckon by this time + you have found out that Gideon Ward and the Lumbermen's Association come + pretty near bein' lord of all they survey in this country. There, young + man! The cards are down. Look at 'em! I'm pretty rough and I'm pretty + tough and I play the game for all that's in me. But when it's over you + won't find any cards up my sleeve nor down the back of my neck—and + you can't always say that of your smooth city chaps.” + </p> + <p> + Parker sat with his elbows on his knees, looking down at the floor, his + forehead wrinkled. He was a pretty sturdy young American in principles and + conduct, but at the same time he had all of young America's appreciation + of the main chance. And the main chance in these days lies along the road + where the dollars are sprinkled thickest. He reflected that the building + of the little bob-tail railroad had been tossed at him as a rather silly + and secret escapade of two big men who were already half ashamed of the + whole business. He realized that in their present frame of mind they would + be inclined to close out the whole thing in disgust as soon as they + received news of the destruction of the property. + </p> + <p> + When he got back to town he would simply remind them of a mutual failure + to accomplish, and the history of such reminders is that they have been + side-tracked in some places where their presence could not remind. + </p> + <p> + “You know there isn't goin' to be any hurry about your givin' up your + present job—not till spring has got well opened and the ice is out + of Spinnaker,” said Colonel Ward slyly, breaking in on the young man's + meditations. “There's always a right time for re-signin' and we'll + discover that time. But your five thousand will be put to your credit in + Kenduskeag Bank the next day after you sign our papers, and your salary + with us will begin the minute the ink is dry. You'll have double pay for a + while, but I reckon you'll be earnin' it.” He chuckled once more. + </p> + <p> + Parker, surveying his red cheek knobs, his cruel gray eyes narrowed now in + evil mirth, recollected with a photographic flash of memory of the details + of that story the postmaster at Sunkhaze had told him. This was the same + man who had coolly stolen wife and property from his own brother and then + had jeered at him, probably with that same expression puckering about his + evil, gray eyes. In the sudden revulsion of his feelings Parker wondered + if he really had been tempted by the bait held out to him. At least, he + had been weighing the chances. He remembered cases where other men who had + stopped to weigh advantages had ended in becoming disloyal. He promptly + forgot with a mental wrench the bribe that had been offered. It was a + coaxing bait and he bravely owned that it had tempted for a moment. He was + honest enough to own to himself that, offered by another, it might have + won him—and he felt a little quiver of fear at the thought. + </p> + <p> + But when he pictured himself as the associate of this old harpy who sat + leering at him, hands on his knees, and already swelling with a sense of + proprietorship, he almost forgot his personal wrongs in the hot flush of + his indignation on behalf of the cheated brother. + </p> + <p> + “That's a proposition that sort of catches ye, hey?” inquired Ward, + misunderstanding the nature of the flush that sprung to Parker's cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to be honest enough to say that it did catch me for a moment,” + replied the young man. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know all about what temptation is to any men—especially a + young man,” said the colonel blandly. + </p> + <p> + “But I'll bet you a hundred dollars to a toothpick you never knew what it + was to resist temptation,” shouted Parker. “And I'm going to tell you now + and here that I'd no more accept your offer and take a job with you than + I'd poison myself with paris green.” He flung himself back in his chair + and glared at his tempter with honest indignation. + </p> + <p> + For a little while Ward stared at him, open-mouthed. His surprise was + greater, for he believed that he had landed his fish. + </p> + <p> + “And don't you make me any more offers. I've no use for them or for you, + either,” cried the young man, his voice trembling. + </p> + <p> + “I've read about such critters as you be,” said the colonel slowly, “but + it was in a dime novel and it was a good many years ago and I didn't + believe it. I believe it said in the novel that the young man died young + and went to heaven—the only one of his kind. P'raps I'm wrong and he + didn't die—went to heaven jest as he stood in his shoes and co't and + pants.” + </p> + <p> + Parker merely scowled back at the biting irony of this rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + “There's no dime novel or any other kind of a novel to this affair, + Colonel Ward. I'm not especially fitted to be the hero of a book. Nor to + be one of your hired men, either.” + </p> + <p> + “Then ye've made up your mind to straddle out your legs and play + Branscome's mule, hey?” + </p> + <p> + “What was his special characteristic?” + </p> + <p> + The question was drawled coolly. + </p> + <p> + “He kicked when ye tried to drive him with a whip and he bit and squealed + when ye tried to coax him along with sweet apples. So if ye won't neither + lead nor drive, then out with it man fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “I simply demand my liberty.” + </p> + <p> + “And what be ye goin' to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my own affair.” + </p> + <p> + The two men sat and looked at each other a long time, the old man's choler + rising the higher from the fact that it had been so long repressed. The + young man's glance did not fall before this furious regard. + </p> + <p> + At last Ward quivered his fists above his head, stamped around the little + room and went to the door. + </p> + <p> + “You've got a few hours to do a little more thinkin' in, and then you look + out for yourself, for it's up to you, you—,” he slammed and locked + the door and went away, cursing horribly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER ELEVEN—THE BEAR THAT WALKED LIKE A MAN + </h2> + <p> + That in this age of law and order Gideon Ward meditated any actual + violence to his person Parker found it hard to believe as he sat there in + the “wangan” and pondered on his situation. He could not avoid the + conclusion that at heart Colonel Ward was a coward. But sometimes + circumstances that a brave man will not suffer to rule him will drive a + coward into crime. + </p> + <p> + It was a long and dreary day for him. + </p> + <p> + From the window he saw Colonel Ward go scurrying away on a jumper, + evidently bound for the choppings. + </p> + <p> + The cook and cookee surveyed his prison at a distance. They seemed to have + no desire to come into close contact with a man of whom they had heard + such sinister reports. + </p> + <p> + Hackett, who hung about camp, apparently to serve as general “striker” and + man of all work, brought food at noon and left it without engaging in + conversation. + </p> + <p> + Parker made a dull day of it. + </p> + <p> + After the chill dusk had fallen and he had stuffed his rusty little stove + with all the wood it would hold, he heard the men returning. + </p> + <p> + A colloquy that occurred after supper interested him. + </p> + <p> + He heard Colonel Ward bellow at some one who was evidently advancing + toward the wangan. + </p> + <p> + “Here you, Connick, where are you goin'?” + </p> + <p> + “Just to pass a word with the lad,” the man replied. + </p> + <p> + “Have you got your knittin'?” squalled Ward sarcastically. “There's no + call for you to go passin' talk around that wangan camp, Connick. You come + away from it.” + </p> + <p> + But when Connick spoke again it was evident he had not retired. + </p> + <p> + “It's only right to let him come into the men's camp for a bit this + evening, Colonel Ward. There'll be a snatch or so of fiddlin' that he'll + like, to cheer him up, and a jig and a song or so. I don't see the harm in + mentionin' it to him, to find if he'd like to come. I'll answer for it + that he's put back in his nest ag'in all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Who's runnin' this camp, me or you?” + </p> + <p> + “You're the man, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, there'll be no invitin' out nor passin' talk. You men have + nothin' to do with that chap in that wangan and you'll keep away from him + or get your heads broken open. Do you hear what I say? Why don't you come + away when I speak?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not the man to disobey orders,” growled Connick. “But I'm a man as + likes man's style. I've always done your biddin', Colonel Ward, and I done + your biddin' when I brought him here. Now I've found him a lively young + chap that I'm proud to know and tho I speak for myself alone I speak as a + man that likes fair play, and I say it's dirty bus'ness keepin' him like a + chicken in a coop, after you've had your bus'ness talk with him.” + </p> + <p> + “You infernal bundle of hair and rags, do you dare to stand there and tell + me how to run my own affairs?” roared Ward, thoroughly incensed. + </p> + <p> + “Keep your bus'ness your own bus'ness for all I care,” Connick answered + angrily. “But when it gits to be bus'ness that can't be backed up + man-fashion then ye may find that day's wages don't buy the whole earth + for ye.” + </p> + <p> + The reply was a bit enigmatical but Ward understood that it signified + mutiny. He gasped a few times and then Parker heard Connick exclaim: + </p> + <p> + “Don't ye strike me with that sled-stake, Colonel Gideon, or it might be + the worse for ye. I'll not bother your man in the wangan till I find out + more about what you're doin' to him—but don't you hit me with that + stick.” + </p> + <p> + Both men went back into the big camp, Ward furiously chewing the + reflection that for the first time he had been bearded in his own camp. + </p> + <p> + Gideon Ward sat until midnight in his little pen off the main camp, poking + his fire and meditating. He had reckoned that he was justified in + proceeding to extremes with this young man, confident that in the end he + would break his spirit and frighten him out of the woods. But he realized + now with sinking heart that his violence had endangered all the political + influence of the gigantic timber interests. The youth had a powerful + weapon, and he, Gideon Ward, would be accused of furnishing it. + </p> + <p> + Perspiration dripped from under the old man's cap. He rasped his rough + palms together nervously. At last he rose and tip-toed into the main camp. + All the men were asleep, snoring with the lusty heartiness of a tired + lumber crew. The colonel advanced cautiously to Hackett's bunk, and + stirred that worthy with his finger until the man awoke. He beckoned, and + Hackett followed him into the pen. + </p> + <p> + “Hackett,” said he, “yeh have worked for me a good many years.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, colonel.” + </p> + <p> + “I've let yeh have money on a mortgage for one or two little favors yeh've + done me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + Hackett began to grow pale. + </p> + <p> + “Now I'll lift that whole mortgage for another favor—an' don't get + scared. I sha'n't ask yeh to do any more'n I propose to do myself.” Ward + had noted the look of alarm on the man's face. “If we're both in it + neither can say anything. I took yeh along with me last night and to-day + so's yeh could hear how that young fool insults me on my own land.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard what he said, colonel, an' no man can blame ye for feelin' put + out.” + </p> + <p> + Ward looked at him steadily for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me. Few words when there's work to do: that's my motto. I've + done the thinkin' part of this thing. What I want you for is to help on + the work.” + </p> + <p> + The man stared with stupid inquiry. + </p> + <p> + “Hackett, here's my plan. You and I don't want to hurt that man. We can't + afford to hurt him. But he's on my hands, an' he won't back down, an' it + puts me in a hard place—a mighty hard place, Hackett. You heard what + passed between us? Now he's got to be put out of this camp an' shoved + where he can't blab this thing round about. Why, he's half got that fool + of a Connick on his side already. + </p> + <p> + “The only thing, Hackett, is for you to take him across into that + Tumble-dick camp an' keep him there—keep him there! Tie him to a + beam and feed him like yeh would a pup. Keep him there till he weakens an' + quits, or till I can think up some plan further. It'll give me time, + Hackett.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tain't any extra sort of job for me, Colonel Ward!” grumbled Hackett + “I've got to watch that critter day in an' day out, an' Tumble-dick camp + is all o' twenty miles from here, or from any other camp, for that + matter.” + </p> + <p> + “That's why I want him there, Hackett. We'll tie him on a moose sled, an' + you start in an hour, whilst the men are still asleep. I'll break a window + out of the wangan, an' on this crust there'll be no foot-tracks. It'll be + thought he broke out and ran away—an' that'll be his own lookout.” + </p> + <p> + His voice became low and husky. “Yeh needn't hitch him too tight in + Tumble-dick camp, Hackett, providin' you hide the most of his clothes an' + it looks like a storm comin' on. If he wants to duck out away from a good + home into the woods, with grub an' fire twenty-five miles away, why, + that's his own lookout.” + </p> + <p> + The man licked his lips nervously. + </p> + <p> + “That ain't our liability, yeh knew.” + </p> + <p> + The man pondered. + </p> + <p> + “It's eight hundred for you, Hackett, an' always a good job with me as + long as I hire men,” persisted Colonel Ward. + </p> + <p> + At last Hackett got up and struck his elbows against his sides. + </p> + <p> + “I'll do it!” he grunted. + </p> + <p> + Parker's first alarmed awakening was with a cloth about his neck, choking + him so that his cry of fright rattled in his throat. He fought bravely, + but two strong men are better than one who has struggled and gasped until + he has only a trickle of air in his lungs. He was bound, his head muffled + in a strip of torn blanket, and he was carried out into the night. He + could not see his captors, but he knew that Ward was one of the + assailants, because a hoarse command to Hackett had betrayed him. + </p> + <p> + After he had been dragged a distance Parker realized by a penetrating odor + that he was near the horse hovels. There was a mumbled discussion between + his captors as to whether he should be tied to the moose sled. It was + decided that his arms should be left pinioned as they were, and Hackett + growled: + </p> + <p> + “I won't tie him to the sled! I'll be needin' him on the steep pitches.” + </p> + <p> + As his arms were tied behind his back, when they put an old fur coat on + him they pulled the sleeves of it on his legs and buttoned the coat + behind. In spite of the bandage over his eyes, he easily recognized these + operations, and then felt himself lifted upon the familiar moose sled. + Several bags full of something were thrown on. With his ears strained for + every sound that would give him any information, he heard some one + approaching even before the two men, busy between camp and sled, were + warned. + </p> + <p> + “Hark!” grunted the voice of Colonel Ward, at last. “Who's that movin' + round back of the hoss hovel? Look out, Hackett! Throw something acrost + the sled. He's comin' this way.” A moment after, his tones full of + disgust, he snorted, “It's that infernal old moose! Here, hand me that + ax!” + </p> + <p> + A hurry of feet, and then Parker heard the impact of a crushing blow and + the muffled groan of a stricken animal. The ax blows continued, apparently + dealt with fury, and in a few moments the old man creaked across the + crust, dragging some heavy object. + </p> + <p> + “Here's your fresh meat, Hackett—two hind-quarters,” he panted. + “Load it on.” + </p> + <p> + “The boys will be r'iled to find Ben here in the mornin'!” whined the + other man. + </p> + <p> + “He won't eat any more grain f'r me!” the colonel boomed, wrathfully. + “Then again, it will show that after Mister Railroad Man broke out of the + wangan camp he killed the moose to get grub to last him for his trip, + bein' afraid to tackle Gid Ward's camps. The boys will be ready to + massacree him if they can lay hands on him, but,” his tones became + ominously significant, “remember your lines now, man! Get away and I'll + look after this end.” + </p> + <p> + Parker felt the loaded sled glide over the crust. He could hardly believe + that these men meditated anything except a change in his place of + imprisonment; but as the sled moved on and on, and in his helplessness he + weighed the situation, he began to feel a vague fear of possibilities. He + began to plan means of escape. When at last the sled went scaling down a + long slope, he rolled off on the crust. + </p> + <p> + As he lay there, he expected every moment to hear the man shout an oath + and return. When the hasty creaking of the footsteps died away, he knew + that the lightened sled, following of its own momentum, had not betrayed + him. + </p> + <p> + Hoodwinked and pinioned, it was no easy task to travel among the trees and + across the slippery crust. As Parker scrambled along, he was tempted to + cry out and appeal to the man to return. Now that his sudden panic of the + flitting sled was over, the dull, cold fear of a helpless and abandoned + man came upon him. But he clinched his teeth to keep back the cry that + struggled to follow the man of the sled, and kept pushing on into the + undergrowth. + </p> + <p> + At last he stopped and began to scrub his forehead against the rough bark + of a tree, endeavoring to remove the bandage. After a time he worked it + above his eyes, although it still bound his head like a turban. + </p> + <p> + He could see the crisp stars through the interlocking branches. He found + the pole star. But as he had been unable to guess the direction his captor + had taken in leaving the camp, the points of the compass mattered little + in this wilderness, where all was strange. + </p> + <p> + Parker went on, reflecting uneasily that every step might be taking him + directly back to Colonel Ward's camp. His grotesque garb hampered his + movements. He lumbered along as awkwardly as a bear. After a time he came + through some little spruces that whipped his face, and discovered a + tote-road that had been long abandoned, for the bushes grew in it and the + crust was unmarked. + </p> + <p> + He pondered a while. Then he shut his eyes, whirled until he dropped, + scrambled up, and started away in the direction in which chance had faced + him. He smiled as he thought upon this childish resource, but in that + bewildering region he had at least been enabled to make up his mind + quickly by the device. + </p> + <p> + The rosy light of the dawn touched him as he plodded along. His advance + was slow, for the sleeves of the fur coat impeded free use of his legs. + The day was clear and cold, with a stinging wind that tossed the roaring + branches of the spruce-trees. The crust held firm. Parker's constrained + arms were aching and his hands were numb. He jerked and twisted at the + thongs until his wrists were raw, but the knots were too strong for him. + </p> + <p> + He had passed so many crossings and fork-ings of the bush-grown road that + he gave up trying to keep the ramifications in mind for his use should he + find it necessary to turn back. He now went on doggedly, choosing this way + or that, as it chanced, hoping to hear a ringing ax or a hunter's gun or a + teamster's shout somewhere in those solitudes. + </p> + <p> + In the late afternoon the road led him to an ice-sheathed stream. Here the + way divided. + </p> + <p> + He took the road that led down-stream. It undoubtedly ended at a lake, + thought he. Log-landings are on lakes. There would be men to release him + from the torture of aching muscles and gnawing stomach. Parker would have + welcomed the sight of Colonel Gideon Ward himself when that second night + came through the trees. + </p> + <p> + It was beyond human endurance to walk farther, but Parker realized that if + he lay down in that state of cold, weariness and hunger he would never + rise again. He marshaled in his mind all the people, all the interests he + had to live for; the parents who depended on him, a certain young girl who + was waiting so anxiously for his return, his prospects in life. He did + this methodically, as if he were piling fagots for a fire at which to warm + himself. Then he mentally kindled the heap with the blaze of a mighty + determination to live, and standing under a great spruce, he began to + stamp about it and count aloud. Half a dozen times during that long night + he staggered and fell, as if an invisible hand had struck him down. But + the next moment, with a cry of “I'll stay awake!” he was up again and at + his self-set task, mind, muscles and nerves centering in his one desperate + resolve. + </p> + <p> + Then the dawn came peeping over the big spruces, and found him still at + his grim gambols. He set forth once more down the road, slipping and + stumbling, his body doubled forward. A few miles and a few hours more—it + was the most he could hope for. + </p> + <p> + All at once his dull ears heard the zin-n-ng of a rifle-bullet close to + his head; and almost immediately, as he ducked and rolled upon his back, + the sinister shriek of another ball made it plain that he was the game + aimed at. Two smart cracks at some distance indicated the location of the + marksman. + </p> + <p> + Animal instinct is alike in brute and man. Parker leaped at the sound of + the first bullet, fell, and rolled behind a snow-covered boulder. Had Ward + or his minion tracked him? Were they now carrying out their desperate + plan? The double report was proof that the man or men were determined on + slaughter. + </p> + <p> + After a long time he dared to peer cautiously. At some distance down the + tote-road an old man was crouching beside a moose sled. On the sled was + the carcass of a deer. Parker realized that this old man must be a + poacher. + </p> + <p> + An assassin sent after a man would not be wasting his ammunition on deer + in close time. + </p> + <p> + The old man remained motionless, with the stolidity of the veteran hunter + waiting to make sure. Torpor rapidly seized on Parker's mind. He shouted + as best he could, but his voice was hoarse from hours of shouting into the + vastness of the deserted woods. His faculties were growing befogged. He + dared not exert himself enough to keep awake, for his rock was but a + narrow bulwark. It seemed to be a choice of deaths, only. + </p> + <p> + At last he desperately leaped up and danced behind his protecting boulder, + uttering such cries as he could. But he saw the old man throw his rifle up + and take aim. Down he dropped, and the bullet sang overhead. + </p> + <p> + He realized then that his garb made him resemble some strange beast—a + bear, perhaps—and he gritted his teeth as he pondered that this + might be part of Gideon Ward's vindictive scheme. If he attempted to show + himself long enough to convince the old man that he was human he would + only be inviting the bullet. + </p> + <p> + Until his blurring senses left him he occasionally shouted or thrust up + his head; but the old still-hunter was relentless, and evidently had not + the clear vision of a youth. He was always ready with a shot. + </p> + <p> + At last, with tears freezing on his cheeks, Parker gave himself up to the + fatuous comfort of the man succumbing to cold and hunger. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER TWELVE—THE STRANGE “CAT-HERMIT OF MOXIE” + </h2> + <p> + Afterward it seemed that he began to dream. Somber individuals were + crushing his limbs between great rollers. Frisky little ghouls were + sticking needles into him, and there were so many needles that it seemed + that every inch of his skin was being tortured at the same instant. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/224.jpg" + alt="Every Inch of his Skin Was Being Tortured 197-224 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + The agony grew intense. He was trying to cry out, and a giant hand was + over his mouth. And when the pain became so excruciating that it did not + seem as if nature could longer endure it, he opened his eyes. + </p> + <p> + A sludge-dish hooked to a beam shed its yellow glimmer of light upon a + strange interior. + </p> + <p> + There was no more strange figure in the place than Parker himself. He was + stripped and seated in a half-hogshead filled with water, from which + vapors were rising. His first wild thought was that the water was hot and + was blistering him. He screamed in the agony of alarm and strove to rise. + </p> + <p> + But hands on his shoulders forced him down again. These hands were rubbing + snow upon him. Then the young man realized that his sensations were + produced by icy cold water. Parker felt that cloths bound snow and ice to + his ears and face. + </p> + <p> + A glance showed him that he was in a rude log camp. The chinked walls were + bare and solid. The interior was spacious, and a big fireplace promised + warmth. + </p> + <p> + The most astonishing of all in the place were its visible tenants—a + multitude of cats. Some were huddled on benches, their assorted colors and + markings composing a strange medley. Others stalked about the cabin. Many + sat before the embers in the fireplace. A half-score were grouped about + the hogshead and its occupant, with their tails wound round their feet, + and were solemnly observing the work of reanimating the stranger. Here and + there among taciturn felines of larger growth little spike-tail kits were + rolling, cuffing, frolicking and miauing. For a moment the scene seemed a + part of his delirium. + </p> + <p> + Parker turned round to survey his benefactor. He found him to be an old + man, shaggy of beard and hair. A pointed cap of fur covered his head. + </p> + <p> + He was dressed in rough garb—belted woolen jacket, trousers + awkwardly patched, leggings rolled above the knee, and yellow moccasins. + Although he was the ordinary type of the woods recluse, there was + kindliness in his expression, as well as a benignant gleam in his eye that + was not usual. + </p> + <p> + “How d'ye feel?” he asked, solicitously. + </p> + <p> + “As if I were being pounded with mallets and torn by pincers.” + </p> + <p> + “All over?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, all over!” snapped Parker, rather ungraciously. + </p> + <p> + “That's good,” drawled the old man, rubbing more snow briskly on the + aching flesh. “I guess I'm goin' to save ye, down to the last toe.” + </p> + <p> + “If aches will do it I'm saved!” groaned the young man. + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't 'a' gi' a copper cent for ye when I got ye here to camp,” the + old man proceeded, “but I've done the very best I could, mister, to fetch + ye round. I hope ye ain't a-goin' to complain on me,” he added, wistfully. + </p> + <p> + “Complain on you?” Parker demanded. “Do you think I owe myself a grudge + for coming back to life?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to ask ye a fair question,” said the old man. + </p> + <p> + “I'll answer any questions.” + </p> + <p> + “Be ye a game-warden?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I am not.” + </p> + <p> + The honest ring of that negative was unmistakable. The old man sighed with + relief. + </p> + <p> + “When I found ye done up in that co't I thought ye was a game-warden, + sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here,” Parker demanded, with asperity, “did you sit there and blaze + away at me with any suspicion that I was a human being?” + </p> + <p> + “Land bless ye, no!” cried the old man, with a shocked sincerity there was + no doubting. “I never harmed any one in all my life. But I was feelin' so + good over savin' ye that I had to have my little joke. I was out this + mornin' as us'al, after meat for my cats. I have to work hard to keep 'em + in meat, mister. I can't stand round and see my kitties starve—no, + s'r! Wal, I was out after meat, an' was takin' home a deer when I see what + any man, even with better eyesight than mine, would have called a brown + bear trodgin' round a tree an' sharp'nin' his claws. What he was up to out + of his den in such weather I didn't know, but of course I fired, an' I + kept firin'. An' when at last I fired an' he didn't bob out any more, I + crept up an' took a look. I thought I'd faint when I see what I see—a + man in a buffl'ler co't wrong side to an' his head all tied up an' his + arms fastened behind him. Land, if it didn't give me a start! Wal, I left + my deer right there an' h'isted ye on my sled, and struck across Little + Moxie for my camp here on the double-quick, now I can tell ye. Ye was + froze harder'n a doorknob, but I guess I'm goin' to have ye out all + complete. Lemme see your ears.” + </p> + <p> + He carefully undid the cloths, to an accompaniment of groans from Parker. + </p> + <p> + “They're red's pinys. No need to worry one mite, mister. Come out o' your + water whilst I rub ye down. Then to bed with a cup o' hot tea, and hooray + for Doctor Joshua Ward!” + </p> + <p> + “I might have known you were Joshua Ward when I noticed all those cats,” + said Parker. So this was Colonel Gideon's brother! He was too weak and ill + to feel or display much surprise at the meeting. + </p> + <p> + “Most every one hereabouts has heard o' me,” the old man admitted, mildly. + “Some men have fast hosses, some men have big liberies, some men like to + spend their money on paintin's an' statues. But for me, I like cats, even + if they do keep me running my legs off after meat. Hey, pussy?” and he + stooped and stroked the head of a huge cat that arched its back and leaned + against his leg. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Joshua Ward,” said Parker, grimly, “you'd probably like to know how I + happened to be prowling round through the forest dressed up so as to play + bear?” + </p> + <p> + “I was meditatin' that ye'd tell me by n' by, if it wa'n't any secret,” + the old man replied, humbly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think you have a right to know. You possess a personal interest + in the matter, Mr. Ward. I was tied up and sent away to be killed or to be + turned out to die by a man named Colonel Gideon Ward.” + </p> + <p> + To Parker's surprise the old man did not stop in his rubbing, but said, + plaintively, “I was almost afeard it might be some o' Gid's works, or, to + say the least his puttin' up. He don't improve any as he grows older.” + </p> + <p> + “You have pretty good reason to know how much chance there is for + improvement in Gideon Ward,” suggested Parker, bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Fam'ly matters, fam'ly matters, young man,” murmured Joshua, reprovingly. + “But I ain't tryin' to excuse Brother Gideon, ye understand. I'm afeard + that when the time of trial does come to him, he will find that the hand + of the Lord is heavy in punishment. I've had a good part of a lifetime, + young man, to think all these things over in this place up here. A man + gets near to God in these woods. A man can put away the little thoughts. + The warm sun thaws his hate; the big winds blow out the flame of anger; + the great trees sing only one song, and high or low, it's 'Hush—hush-h-h—hush-h-h-h!'” + The voice of the man softly imitated the soughing of the pines. + </p> + <p> + Parker stumbled to his bunk, his feet still uncertain, drank his tea, and + slept. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, after the breakfast of bread and venison, the host said: + “Young man, now that you have slept on your anger, I wish you'd tell me + the story of your trouble with my brother Gideon. I know that he has been + rough and hard with men, but many have been rough and hard with him. This + is a country where all the men are rough and hard. But I fear that had it + not been for the good God and these old hands of mine, my brother would be + now little else than a murderer. Tell me the story.” His voice trembled + with apology and apprehension. + </p> + <p> + Parker stated all the circumstances faithfully and impartially. At the + conclusion Joshua's eyes glowed with fires that had not been seen in them + for years. He struck his brown fist down on his rude table. + </p> + <p> + “Defying God's law and man's law to the disgrace of himself and all his + name! And you had not been rough and hard to him,” he cried. “Bitter, + bitter news you bring to me, Mr. Parker.” + </p> + <p> + There was a long pause, and at last Joshua Ward went on: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Parker, that man is my own—my only brother, no matter how other + people look at him. I have saved your life. Will you give me one chance to + straighten this matter out?” + </p> + <p> + “You mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that if Gideon Ward will pay for the damage he has done your + property, ask your forgiveness as a man, and promise to keep away and let + you alone, will you be charitable enough to let the matter rest?” + </p> + <p> + Parker pondered a while with set lips. It cost a struggle to forego + vengeance on that wretch, but many issues were involved, principally the + early completion of the railroad and his consequent favor with his + employers. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ward,” he declared, at last, “I came down here to build a railroad, + not to get entangled in the courts. For your sake and the sake of my + project I will give your brother an opportunity to make atonement on the + conditions you name. I owe my life to you, and I will discharge part of my + obligation in the way you ask.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you afraid to accompany me back to Number 7 camp?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir!” In his turn Parker struck the table. “I am ready to go back + there alone and charge that man with his crime, and depend on the manhood + of his crew to stand neutral while I take him and deliver him over to the + law. And that I will do if you fail in your endeavors.” + </p> + <p> + The old man was silent. He made no attempt to soften the young man's + indignation or resolution. Parker noted that his lips tightened as tho + with solemn, inward resolve. + </p> + <p> + During the remainder of his convalescing stay in the camp the subject of + Gideon Ward was not broached again. + </p> + <p> + The hermit beguiled the hours with simple narratives of the woods, his + cats on knees and shoulders. He had no complaints for the past or the + present and no misgivings as to the future, so it appeared from his talk. + </p> + <p> + Parker came to realize that under his peculiar and, to the casual + observer, erratic mode of life there was a calm and sound philosophy that + he had cultivated in his retirement. He had the strange notions of those + who have lived much alone and in the wilderness. An unkind critic would + have dismissed him brusquely with the belief that his troubles had + unbalanced his mind. But Parker saw beneath all his eccentricity, and as + the hermit wistfully discoursed of the peace that the woods had given him + the young man conceived both respect and affection for this strange + character. His knowledge of Joshua's life tragedy pre-disposed him to + pity. He was grateful for the tender solicitude the old man had shown + toward him. At the end of his stay he sincerely loved the brother of his + enemy. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER THIRTEEN—THE BEAR OF THE BIG WOODS “BAITED” AFTER HIS OWN + FASHION + </h2> + <p> + On the third morning Parker was able to travel. Joshua Ward had brought + the carcass of the slain deer across the lake on his sled, and the cats of + Little Moxie were left to rule the island and feast at will until the + return of the master. + </p> + <p> + On the day they set forth it was shortly after dark,—for they had + proceeded slowly on account of the young man's feet, when Parker again + looked down from the ridge upon Number 7 camp. If Colonel Gideon Ward was + not there, they proposed to follow along his line of camps until they + found him. Parker carried a shotgun with two barrels. The old man bore his + rifle. They advanced without hesitation over the creaking snow, straight + to the door of the main camp, and entered after the unceremonious fashion + of the woods. + </p> + <p> + A hundred men were ranged on the long benches called “deacons' seats,” or + lounged on the springy browse in their bunks. A man, with one leg crossed + over his knee, and flapping it to beat his time, was squawking a lively + tune on a fiddle, and a perspiring youth danced a jig on a square of + planking before the roaring fire. The air was dim with the smoke of many + pipes and with the steam from drying garments hung on long poles. + </p> + <p> + Connick removed his pipe when the door opened, and gazed under his hand, + held edgewise to his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Why, hello, my bantam boy!” he bawled, in greeting. “What did you break + out o' the wangan and run away for?” + </p> + <p> + The fiddle stopped. The men crowded up from the bunks and deacons' seats. + All were as curious as magpies. They gazed with interest on Parker's + companion. But no one threatened them by look or gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Is Gideon Ward here?” inquired Joshua, blandly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'm here!” came the answer, shouted from the pen at the farther end. + “What's wanted?” + </p> + <p> + “It's Joshua!” called the brother. “I'll come in.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay where you are!” cried Gideon; and the next moment he came + shouldering through the men, who fell back to let him pass. + </p> + <p> + The instant his keen gaze fell on the person who bore his brother company + he seemed to understand the situation perfectly. There was just the + suspicion of fear when he faced the blazing eyes of Parker, but he snorted + contemptuously and turned to his brother. + </p> + <p> + “Wal, Josh,” he cried, “out with it! What can I do for you?” + </p> + <p> + “The matter isn't one to be talked over in public, brother,” suggested + Joshua. + </p> + <p> + “I hain't any secrets in my life!” shouted Gideon, defiantly, as if he + proposed to anticipate and discount any allegations that his visitors + might produce. + </p> + <p> + “Ye don't refuse to let me talk a matter of business over with ye in + private, do ye, Gideon?” + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Ward,” said Parker, stepping forward, “your brother is ashamed to + show you up before these men.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, Connick, Hackett, any of you! Seize that runaway, and throw him + into the wangan till I get ready to attend to him!” commanded Ward. + </p> + <p> + The men did not move. + </p> + <p> + “Do as I tell ye!” bawled the colonel. “Twenty dollars to the men—fifty + dollars to the men who ketch an' tie him for me!” + </p> + <p> + Several rough-looking fellows came elbowing forward, tempted by the + reward. Parker raised his gun, but Connick was even quicker. The giant + seized an ax, and shouted: + </p> + <p> + “Keep back, all of ye! There's goin' to be fair play here to-night, an' + it's Dan Connick says so!” + </p> + <p> + “Connick,” Gideon's command was almost a scream, “don't you interfere in + what's none o' your business!” + </p> + <p> + “It's my business when a square man don't get his rights,” Connick cried, + with fully as much energy as the colonel, “and that chap is a man, for he + licked me clean and honest!” + </p> + <p> + A murmur almost like applause went through the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Men,” broke in Parker, “I cannot expect to have friends here, and you may + all be enemies, but I have come back, knowing that woodsmen are on the + side of grit and fair dealing. Listen to me!” + </p> + <p> + In college Parker had been class orator and a debater of power. Now he + stood on a block of wood, and gazed upon a hundred bearded faces, on which + the flickering firelight played eerily. In the hush he could hear the big + winds wailing through the trees outside. + </p> + <p> + Ward stood in advance of the rest, his mighty fists clinched, his face + quivering and puckering in his passion. As the young man began to speak, + he attempted to bellow him into silence. But Connick strode forward, put + his massive hands on Gideon's shoulders, and thrust him down upon a + near-by seat. The big woodsman, his rebellion once started, seemed to + exult in it. + </p> + <p> + “One of the by-laws of this ly-cee-um is that the meetin' sha'n't be + disturbed!” he growled. “Colonel Gid Ward, ye will kindly listen to this + speech for the good of the order or I'll gag ye! You've had a good many + years to talk to us in and you've done it. Go ahead, young man! You've got + the floor an' Dan Connick's in the chair.” He rolled his sleeves above his + elbows and gazed truculently on the assemblage. + </p> + <p> + “For your brother's sake,” cried the young engineer, “I offer you one more + chance to listen to reason, Colonel Gideon Ward! Do you take it?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” was the infuriated shout. + </p> + <p> + “Then listen to the story of a scoundrel!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/246.jpg" alt="Listen to the Story of a Scoundrel 216-246 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + The men did listen, for Parker spoke with all the eloquence that + indignation and honest sentiment could inspire. He first told the story of + the wrecked life of the brother, and pointed to the bent figure of the + hermit of Little Moxie, standing in the shadows. Once or twice Joshua + lifted his quavering voice in feeble protest, but the ringing tones of the + young man overbore his halting speech. Several times Connick was obliged + to force the colonel back on the deacons' seat, each time with more + ferocity of mien. + </p> + <p> + Then Parker came to his own ambitions to carry out the orders of his + employers. He explained the legal status of the affair, and passed quickly + on to the exciting events of the night on which he had been bound and sent + upon his ride into the forest, to meet some fate, he knew not what. He + described the brutal slaughter of the moose, and the immediate + dismemberment of the animal. He noticed with interest that many men who + had displayed no emotion as he described poor old Joshua's sufferings now + grunted angrily at hearing the revelation concerning the fate of Ben, the + camp mascot. This dramatic explanation of Ward's furious cruelty to the + poor beast proved, curiously enough, the turning point in Parker's favor, + even with the roughest of the crew. Then Parker described how he had been + rescued and brought back to life by the old man whom Gideon Ward had so + abused. + </p> + <p> + “And now, my men,” he concluded, “I am come back among you; and I ask you + all to stand back, so that it may now be man to man—so that I may + take this brutal tyrant who has abused us all, and deliver him over to the + law that is waiting to punish him as he deserves.” + </p> + <p> + He leaped down, seized a halter, and advanced with the apparent intention + of seizing and binding the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Are ye goin' to stand here, ye hunderd cowards, an' see the man that + gives ye your livin' lugged away to jail?” Gideon shouted, retreating. He + glared on their faces. The men turned their backs and moved away. + </p> + <p> + He crouched almost to the floor, brandishing his fists above his head. + “I've got ten camps in this section,” he shrieked, “an' any one of them + will back me aginst the whole United States army if I ask 'em to! They + ain't the cowards that I've got here. I'll come back here an' pay ye off + for this!” + </p> + <p> + Before any one could stop him, for the men had left him standing alone, he + precipitated his body through the panes of glass of the nearest window, + and almost before the crash had ceased he was making away into the night + Connick led the rush of men to the narrow door, but the mob was held them + for a few precious moments, fighting with one another for egress. + </p> + <p> + “If we don't catch him,” the foreman roared, “he'll be back on us with an + army of cut-throats!” + </p> + <p> + But when the crew went streaming forth at last, Colonel Ward was out of + sight in the forest. Lanterns were brought, and the search prosecuted + earnestly, but his moccasined feet were not to be traced on the frozen + crust. + </p> + <p> + The chase was abandoned after an hour, for the clouds that had hung heavy + all day long began to sift down snow; and soon a blizzard howled through + the threshing spruces and hemlocks. + </p> + <p> + “It's six miles to the nearest camp,” said Connick, when the crew was + again assembled at Number 7, “an' in order to dodge us he prob'ly kept out + of the tote-road. I should say that the chances of Gid Ward's ever + get-tin' out o' the woods alive in this storm wa'n't worth that!” He + snapped his fingers. + </p> + <p> + “It is not right for us to come back here an' leave him out there!” cried + the brother. + </p> + <p> + “He took his chances,” the foreman replied, “when he went through that + window. There's a good many reasons why I'd like to see him back here, Mr. + Ward, but I'm sorry to have to tell ye, ye bein' a brother of his, that + love ain't one o' them.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall go alone, then,” said the old man, firmly. + </p> + <p> + “Brotherly love is worth respect, Mr. Ward,” Connick declared, “but I + ain't the kind of man that stands idle an' sees suicide committed. Ye've + done your full duty by your brother. Now I'm goin' to do my duty by you. + You don't go through that door till this storm is over!” + </p> + <p> + The next day the wind raged on and the snow piled its drifts. Joshua Ward + sat silent by the fire, his head in his hands, or stood in the “dingle,” + gazing mournfully out into the smother of snowflakes. It would be a mad + undertaking to venture abroad. He realized it and needed no further + restraint. + </p> + <p> + But the dawn of the third day was crisp and bright. Soon after sunrise a + panting woodsman, traveling at his top speed on snow-shoes, halted for a + hasty bite at Number 7. He was a messenger from the camp above. + </p> + <p> + “Colonel Gid Ward was picked up yesterday froze pretty nigh solid!” he + gulped out, between his mouthfuls. “I'm goin' down for a doctor,” and then + he went striding away, even as Joshua Ward took the up-trail. + </p> + <p> + Parker spent all that day in sober thought, and then, forming his + resolution, took passage on the first tote-team that went floundering + through toward Sunkhaze. His departure was neither hindered nor + encouraged. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FOURTEEN—HOW RODNEY PARKER PAID AN HONEST DEBT + </h2> + <p> + The engineer found his little garrison holding the fort at the Poquette + Carry camp—and confining their attentions wholly to holding the + fort. Not an ax blow had been struck since his hurried departure. + </p> + <p> + “We didn't work no more,” explained one of the men, “because we'd give up + all idea of seein you ag'in. Of course we reckoned that a new boss would + prob'ly be comin' along pretty quick and we thought we'd wait and find out + just what he wanted us to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it will be the same old boss and the same old plan,” replied Parker + curtly. The idea that the men had considered him such easy prey made him + indignant. “You'll consider after this that I'm the Colonel Gideon Ward of + this six-mile stretch here.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon there won't be any real Gid Ward any more,” said the man. + “Feller went through here last night, hi-larrup for 'lection, to git a doc + for Gid. Seems he got caught out and froze up somehow—tho I never + s'picioned that weather would have any effect on the old sanup. P'rhaps + you've been hearin' all about how it happened? Feller wouldn't stop long + enough to explain to us.” The man's gaze was full of inquisitiveness and + the others crowded around to listen. + </p> + <p> + But with self-repression truly admirable Parker told them that he had no + news to give out concerning Colonel Ward, of any nature whatsoever. He + ordered the driver of the tote-team to whip up and rode away toward + Sunkhaze, leaving the men gaping after him. + </p> + <p> + He observed the same reticence at the settlement, tho he was received with + a demonstration that was something like an ovation. + </p> + <p> + Although his better sense told him that the men were justified in + preserving neutrality at the time of the raid, yet he could not rid + himself of the very human feeling of resentment because they had + surrendered him so readily into the hands of his adversaries. But the + chief influence that prompted silence was the fear lest details of his + mishap and the reasons therefor would get into the newspapers to the + annoyance of his employers. + </p> + <p> + “I am back and the work is going on just as tho nothing had happened,” he + said to the men who crowded into the office of the tavern to congratulate + him. “Matters have been straightened out and the less talk that's made the + better.” + </p> + <p> + But the postmaster, presuming on more intimate acquaintance, followed him + up to his room, where his effects had been carefully preserved for him. + </p> + <p> + “I reckoned you'd get back some time,” said Dodge. “I've predicted that + much. But, I swanny, I didn't look for you to come back with your tail + over the dasher, as you've done. That is, I didn't look for you to come + that way not until that feller blew in here to telegraft for a doctor for + old Gid. Then I see that it was him that was got done up instead of you. + But speakin' of telegraftin', there ain't no word gone out from here as + yit about the hoorah—not a word.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that Sunkhaze has kept the Swamp Swogon affair and my + kidnapping quiet?” demanded Parker, his face lighting up. He had been + fearing what might have gone out to the world about the affair. + </p> + <p> + “A good many was all of a to-do to telegraft it to the sheriff and to your + bosses,” said the postmaster calmly. “But it seemed better to me to wait a + while. I says, 'Look here, neighbors, it's goin' to be some time before + the sheriff can git his crowd together and git at Ward—and even then + there'll be politics to consider. The sheriff won't move anyway till he + gits the word of the Lumbermen's Association. And it'll probably happen by + that time that the young man will show up here again. All we'll git out of + it hereabouts is a black eye in the newspapers—it bein' held up that + Sunkhaze ain't a safe place to settle in. And all that truck—you + know! Furthermore, from things you've dropped to me, Mr. Parker, I knew + you were playin' kind of a lone hand and a quiet game here. My old father + used to say, 'Run hard when you run, but don't start so sudden that you + stub your toe and tumble down.' So in your case I just took the + responsibility and held the thing back.” + </p> + <p> + The postmaster's eyes were searching Parker's face for signal of + approbation. + </p> + <p> + The engineer went to him and shook his hand with hearty emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “You've got a level head, Mr. Postmaster,” he said, delightedly. “We'll + start exactly where we left off and so far as I am concerned the place + will never get a bad name from me. In return for your frankness and your + service to me, I'll give you a hint as to what happened to Colonel Ward. I + know you won't abuse my confidence.” + </p> + <p> + When he had finished, the postmaster said earnestly, “Mr. Parker, however + much old Gid Ward owes you, you owe Josh Ward a good deal more. He ain't a + man to dun for his pay. But if he ever does ask you to square the account + you won't be the man I take you for if you don't settle. If you feel that + you owe me anything for the little service I've done you and your + bus'ness, just take and add it to the Josh Ward account. Of all the men on + earth I pity that man the most.” + </p> + <p> + There were tears in Dodge's eyes when he stumbled down the tavern stairs. + </p> + <p> + One cheerful moment for Parker had been when the postmaster informed him + of Sunkhaze's equilibrium in the matter of news-monging But a more + cheerful moment was when Mank, his foreman, standing with him on the ice + above the submerged Swogon told him that a sandbar made out into the lake + at that point and that the locomotive was probably lodged on the bar, only + a little way below the surface. + </p> + <p> + When they had sawed the ice and sounded they found this to be true. As + soon as a broad square of ice had been removed they saw her, all her + outlines clear against the white sand. The sunken sleds were equally in + evidence. It was not a diver's job, then, as Parker, in his worryings, had + feared. On the thick ice surrounding the whole there was solid foothold + for the raising apparatus and Parker's crew set at work with good cheer. + </p> + <p> + It was a cold, wet and tedious job, the grappling and the raising, but his + derricks were strong and his rigging plentiful. Moreover, the water was + not deep. + </p> + <p> + All the material that could not be recovered by the grapples was + duplicated by means of quick replies to wired orders, and the work of + transportation across the lake was successfully completed. + </p> + <p> + It was well into a warm May, and his men for the last week had been moving + soil and building culverts before the case of Col. Gideon Ward was brought + to Parker's attention in a manner requiring action. One evening just after + dusk his foreman scratched on the flap of the engineer's tent, in which he + was now living at Poquette. + </p> + <p> + “Come in!” he called. + </p> + <p> + The canvas was lifted and a man entered. Parker turned the reflector of + his lantern on the visitor. + </p> + <p> + “Joshua Ward!” he exclaimed, as he started up and seized the old man's + outstretched hand. + </p> + <p> + He led him to a camp-stool. They looked at each other for a time in + silence. Tears trembled on Joshua's eyelashes, and he passed his knotted + hand over his face before he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Parker,” he said, tremulously, “I've come to bring ye money to pay + for every cent's worth o' damage to property 'an loss o' time an' + everything.” He laid a package in the young man's hand. “Help yourself,” + he quavered. “I'm goin' to trust to your honesty, for I'm certain I can. + Take what's right. Gid and I don't know anythin' about railroads an' what + such things as you lost are worth. All we can do is to show that we mean + to square things the best we can now. Gid's sorry now, Mr. Parker, he's + sorry—sorry—sorry—poor Gid!” The old man sobbed + outright. + </p> + <p> + “Did he—” The young man paused, half-fearing to ask the question. + </p> + <p> + Joshua again ran his rough palm across his eyes. Then, in dumb grief, he + set the edge of his right hand against his left wrist, the left hand to + the right wrist, and then marked a place on each leg above the ankle. + </p> + <p> + “All off there, Mr. Parker.” The old man bent his head into his hollowed + palms. Tears trickled through his fingers. There was a long silence. The + young man did not know how to interrupt that pause. + </p> + <p> + “I'm feedin' an' tendin' him like I used to when he was a baby an' I a + six-year-old. He's at my camp, Mr. Parker. He don't ever want to be seen + agin in the world, he says—only an old, trimmed, dead tree, he says. + Poor old Gid! No matter what he's been, no matter what he's done, you'd + pity him now, Mr. Parker, for the hand o' punishment has fell heavy on my + poor brother.” + </p> + <p> + The engineer, truly shocked, stood beside Joshua, and placed his hand on + the bowed shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ward,” he said, with a quiver in his voice, “never will I do anything + to add one drop to the bitterness in the cup that has come to you and + yours.” + </p> + <p> + “I told Gid, I told Gid,” cried the old man, “that you'd say somethin' + like that! I had to comfort him, you know, Mr. Parker; but I felt that + you, bein' a young man, couldn't make it too hard for us old men. He ain't + the same Gid now. See here, sir!” + </p> + <p> + With tremulous hands he drew a paper from his pocket and handed it to + Parker. It was a writing giving sole power of attorney to Joshua Ward. The + old man pointed to a witnessed scrawl—a shapeless hieroglyph at the + bottom of the sheet. + </p> + <p> + “Gid's mark!” he sobbed. “No hands—no hands any more! I feed him, I + tend him like I would a baby, an' the only words he says to me now are + pleasant an' brotherly words. + </p> + <p> + “An' more'n that, Mr. Parker, I'm on my way down to town. I've got some + errands that are sweet to do—sweet an' bitter, too. There's new + fires been lit in the dark corners of my poor brother's heart. I've got + here a list of the men that Gideon Ward hain't done right by in this life,—that + he's cheated,—an' a list of the widows of the men he hain't done + right by, an' by that power of attorney he's given me the means, an' he + says to me to make it square with them people if it takes every cent he's + worth. It won't cost much for me an' Gid to live at Little Moxie, Mr. + Parker—an' poor Cynthy—” + </p> + <p> + He looked into vacancy a while and was silent. Then he went on: + </p> + <p> + “We'll have our last days together, me an' Gid. All these years that I've + lived alone up there the trees an' the winds an' the skies an' the waves + of the lake have been sayin' good things to me. I told Gid about them + voices. He has been too busy all his life to listen before now. But + sittin' there in these days—sit-tin' there, always a-sittin' there, + Mr. Parker! Nothing to do but bend his ear to catch the whispers that come + up out o' the great, deep lungs o' the universe! He has been listenin', + an'”—the old man rose and shook the papers above the head of the + engineer—“God an' the woods have been talkin' the truth to my poor + brother Gideon.” + </p> + <p> + The old man slept that night in Parker's tent and went on his way at + morning light, and tho the engineer pressed back again into his hands, + unopened, the packet that was proffered, and assured him that no harm + should befall Gideon Ward through complaint or report for which he was + responsible, Parker still felt that somehow there was a balance due old + Joshua Ward on their books of tacit partnership in well-doing;—such + was the honest faith, and patient self-abnegation of the good old man, who + had endured so much for others' sake. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER FIFTEEN—THE DAY WHEN POQUETTE BURST WIDE OPEN + </h2> + <p> + Through the spring and the early summer Poquette Carry was an animated + theater of action. Woodsmen, went up and woodsmen came down, and mingled + with the busy railroad crews. All examined the progress of construction + with curiosity, and passed on, uttering picturesque comment. Strange old + men came paddling down West Branch from unknown wildernesses, and trudged + their moccasined way from end to end of the line, as if to convince + themselves that Colonel Gideon Ward really had been conquered on his own + ground. Newspaper reporters came from the nearest city, and pressed + Engineer Parker to make a statement “Gentlemen,” he said, with a laugh, + “not a word for print from me. I was sent here to build this bit of a + railroad quietly and unobtrusively. Circumstances have paraded our affairs + before the public in some measure. Now if you quote me, or twist anything + I may say into an interview, my employers will have good reason to be + disgusted with me, as well as with the situation here. Furthermore, there + are personal reasons why I do not wish to talk.” + </p> + <p> + Whether Parker's eager appeal had effect upon the reporters, or whether + the timber barons influenced the editors, the whole affair of the sunken + engine was lightly passed over as the prank of roistering woodsmen, and + Colonel Ward was left wholly undisturbed in his retreat. Even the calamity + that had befallen him was not mentioned except by word of mouth among the + woodsmen of the region. + </p> + <p> + With self-restraint that is rare in young men, Parker still refused to + talk about the matter even in Sunkhaze. When he first returned, a sense of + chagrin at his discomfiture along with reasons that have been mentioned + kept him silent, it is true, but now, with complete victory in his hands, + he was sincerely affected by the misfortune that had overtaken his enemy. + </p> + <p> + The “Swamp Swogon,” now that it was running on its own rails and was + hauling building materials along the crooked railroad, was renicknamed + “The Stump Dodger.” Parker's chief pride in the road was necessarily based + on the fact that it had been constructed without exceeding the + appropriation, a fact that excused many curves. + </p> + <p> + Late in June the last rails were laid and the ballasting, such as it was, + was well under way. + </p> + <p> + The “terminal stations,” as the engineer jocosely called them, were neat + little structures of logs, and there was a log roundhouse, where the Stump + Dodger retired in smutty and smoky seclusion when its day's toil was + finished. + </p> + <p> + So the engineer prepared for the day of opening, and requested the state + railroad commissioners to make their final inspection of the road. The + three officials gravely travelled from end to end of the line in the + secondhand P. K. & R. coach, the only passenger-car of the road, and + after some jocular remarks, issued a certificate empowering the Poquette + Carry Road to convey passengers and collect fares. Then, after a + telegraphic conference with his employers, Parker announced the day for + the formal opening of the road. + </p> + <p> + At first he had not intended to make any event of this. His idea had been + that, after the commissioners authorized traffic, he would merely arrange + a time-table instead of the irregular service of the construction days, + and would start his trains, observing the care that had been promised in + seasons of drought. + </p> + <p> + But his foreman of construction—none other than Big Dan Connick, who + had chosen railroad work under Parker instead of the usual summer labor on + the drive—came to him at the head of a group of men. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Parker,” he said, “we represent the men who have been building this + road. We represent also our old friends of the West Branch drivin' crew of + a hundred men, who are twenty miles up-river and are hankerin' for a + celebration. We represent all the guides between Sunkhaze and Chamberlain, + and every man of 'em is glad that this carry has been opened up. The whole + crowd respectfully insists that seein' as how this is our first woods + railroad up here, it's proper to have a celebration. If ye don't have the + official opening we shall take it as meanin' we ain't worth noticin'.” + </p> + <p> + There was no denying such earnestness as that nor gainsaying the propriety + of the demand. Parker made his principals understand the situation. And + the result was that they themselves set the opening date, and promised to + be on hand with a party of friends. + </p> + <p> + The rolling-stock of the Poquette Railroad consisted of the Stump Dodger, + four flat cars designed especially for the transportation of canoes and + bateaux, three box cars for camp supplies and general freight, and the + coach transplanted from the P. K. & R. narrow-gage. + </p> + <p> + Parker announced that on the opening day no fares would be collected, that + the train would make hourly trips, and that all might ride who could get + aboard. + </p> + <p> + Not to be outdone in generosity, the crew through big Dan Connick, + declaring that they proposed to make all the preparations for the + celebration free of charge—that is, they would accept no wages for + their work. + </p> + <p> + They built benches on the platform cars and fitted up the box cars in + similar fashion. They trimmed the Stump Dodger with spruce fronds till the + locomotive looked like a moving wood-lot. Every flag in Sunkhaze was + borrowed for the decoration of the coach, and then, in a final burst of + enthusiasm, the men subscribed a sum sufficient to hire the best brass + band in that part of the state. + </p> + <p> + “It took us some little time to wake up enough to know how much we needed + a railroad acrost here,” said Dan, “but now that we're awake we propose to + let folks know it. Them whose hearin' is sensitive had better take to the + tall timber that day.” + </p> + <p> + Parker met his party at Sunkhaze station on the morning of the great + occasion. They came in the P. K. & R. president's private car, that + was run upon a siding to remain during the week the railroad men + entertained their friends at their new Kennemagon Lake camp. + </p> + <p> + “I expect,” said Parker, as the little steamer puffed across sunlit + Spinnaker toward Poquette, “that the men have arranged a rather rugged + celebration for to-day; but I know them well, gentlemen, and I want to + assure you that all they do is meant in the best spirit.” + </p> + <p> + As the steamer approached the wharf, tooting its whistle, there was an + explosion ashore that made the little craft appear to hop out of the + water. All the anvils of the construction crew had been stuffed with + powder, and all were fired simultaneously with a battery current! + </p> + <p> + With a yell the shore crowd rushed to the side of the steamer. Dan was + leading, his broad face glowing with good humor. Groups of cheering men + clutched the squirming, protesting railroad owners and their friends, and + bore them on sturdy shoulders to the waiting train. The band from its + station on a platform car boomed “Hail to the Chief,” the engine whistle + screaming an obligato. + </p> + <p> + Then the men swarmed upon the cars, crowding every corner, occupying every + foothold—but with the thoughtful deference of the woods not + venturing to encroach upon the privacy of the coach after they had + deposited their guests there. + </p> + <p> + On the “half-way horseback,” so-called, Parker ordered the train halted, + for he wished to show Mr. Jerrard an experiment in culvert construction, + in which he took an originator's pride. The band kept on playing and the + men roared choruses. + </p> + <p> + After the young engineer had bellowed his explanation in Jerrard's ear, + and Jerrard had howled back some warm compliments, striving to make + himself heard above the uproar, the two climbed the embankment and + approached the coach. The band was quiet now. + </p> + <p> + “Speech!” cried some one, as Jerrard mounted the steps. He smiled and + shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Speech! Speech!” The manager turned to enter his car, still smiling, + tolerant but disregarding. At a sudden command from Connick, men reached + out on both sides of the train and clutched the branches of sturdy + undergrowth that the haste of the construction work had not permitted the + crews to clear entirely away. + </p> + <p> + “Hang on, my hearties!” shouted Dan. + </p> + <p> + Parker, when he mounted the steps, had given the signal to start, but when + the engineer opened his throttle, the wheels of the little engine whirled + in a vain attempt at progress. With a grade, a heavy load, and the + determined grip of all these brawny hands to contend against, the panting + Stump Dodger was beaten. Sparks streamed and the smokestack quivered, but + the train did not start. + </p> + <p> + “Speech! Speech!” the men howled. “We won't let go till we hear a speech.” + </p> + <p> + Entreaties had no effect. First Jerrard, then Whittaker, then Parker, and + after them all the guests were compelled to come out on the car platform + and satisfy the truly American passion for a speech. And not until the + last man had responded did the woodsmen release their hold on the trees. + </p> + <p> + “Who ever heard of a railroad being formally opened and dedicated without + speeches?” cried Connick, as he gave the word to let go. “We know the + style, an' we want everything.” + </p> + <p> + The guides served a lunch at the West Branch end of the line that + afternoon, and while the railroad party was lounging in happy restfulness + awaiting the repast, a big bateau came sweeping down the river, driven by + a half dozen oarsmen. Several passengers disembarked at the end of the + carry road, and were received respectfully yet uproariously by the + woodsmen who had just arrived in a fresh train-load from the Spinnaker + end. + </p> + <p> + Connick came elbowing through the press that surrounded them. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Shayne,” he cried, “she's come, after all, hasn't she? Are you and + your friends goin' to ride back on her across the carry? I tell you she + beats a buckboard!” + </p> + <p> + The man whom he addressed smiled with some constraint, and exchanged + glances with his companions. + </p> + <p> + “I guess we'll stick to our own tote-team as usual, Connick,” said another + in the party, jerking his thumb at the muddy buckboard that was waiting. + </p> + <p> + “Oh say, now, ye've got to meet these here railroad fellers. They're your + style—all business!” bawled Connick. “We ain't fit to entertain 'em + up here, but you rich fellers are. Just come along. They'll be glad to see + you. Bring 'em along, boys.” + </p> + <p> + The crowd obediently hustled the new arrivals toward Whittaker and his + friends, disregarding the surly protests. + </p> + <p> + “Here's some of the kings of the spruce country, gentlemen!” big Dan + cried, by way of introduction. “Here's Mr. Shayne, the great timber + operator on the Seboois waters. Here's Mr. Barber of the Upper + Chamberlain, an'—” + </p> + <p> + Several of the new arrivals began to deprecate this unceremonious manner + of introduction, but the railroad men, recognizing their peers in the + business world in these sturdy land barons, came forward with a hearty + welcome. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later the timber kings were eating lunch, although with some + embarrassment. Occasionally they eyed the railroad men, wondering if the + memory of the stubborn legislative battle still lingered. But the railroad + men constantly grew more affable. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said Whittaker, at last, “we are not affected in this case by + any interstate commerce regulations. Therefore, on behalf of myself and my + associates, I should like to tender you annual passes over our new road. + Of course the courtesy is a trifling one, but it will indicate that we + shall appreciate your cooperation in turning your freight business our + way. We'll save you at least two-thirds of the expense on the haul across + Poquette.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER SIXTEEN—THE PACT THAT OPENED RODNEY PARKER'S PROFESSIONAL + FUTURE + </h2> + <p> + When one understood all that had gone before, the moment was an electric + one for the future of the Poquette region. + </p> + <p> + In this apparently trivial offer the railroad king had formally offered + the olive branch. He gazed at the lumber barons eagerly yet shrewdly. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that they had silently fixed on Shayne to reply. + </p> + <p> + After a moment Shayne began his answer, and as he had glanced from one to + another of his companions, he evidently understood from their eyes that he + had permission to speak for all. “Mr. Whittaker,” he said, with hearty + frankness, “on behalf of myself and my associates I am going to make an + earnest apology to you for the obstacles we threw in your way at the + outset of this enterprise. But you must take into account the isolation of + our lumbering interests and the jealousy we felt at the intrusion of + outside men and capital. We feared what it might lead to. We have been + doing business as our fathers did it, and we probably needed this + awakening that the new railroad has given us. For now that it is built, + we, as business men, see that the advantages it will afford us are + desirable in every way. I speak for my friends here when I say that we are + heartily glad you have beaten us.” + </p> + <p> + His tone was jocose yet sincere. + </p> + <p> + The men of business—railroad officials and lumber kings—broke + out into a hearty laugh, the laugh of amity and comradeship. Shayne went + on, more at his ease after that: + </p> + <p> + “Now we are going to afford you a proof that we mean what we say. We—this + party right here—control fifty miles or more of timber country, + reaching from here up to the West Branch on both sides, and extending as + far inland. The river is broken by rapids and falls along this stretch. + Our drives from up-country are sometimes held up a whole season when a bad + jam forms in dry times. Every year in dynamiting these jams thousands of + feet of logs are shattered. More are split on the ledges. We have agreed + that we need a railroad. Considering our losses, we can afford to pay well + for having our logs hauled to the smooth water. If you and your friends + will finance and build such a road, we'll give you free right of way, turn + over to you annually twenty million feet of timber for your log trains, + and give you the haul of all our crews and camp supplies. Further than + that, with spur tracks to lots now inaccessible by water, you can + quadruple the value of our holdings and your own business at the same + time. And this will be only the first link of a railroad system that we + need all through the region. The thing has come to us in its right light + at last, and we're ready to meet you half-way in everything.” He smiled. + “We want the right sort of men behind the scheme, and you have plainly + showed us that you <i>are</i> the right sort of men.” + </p> + <p> + President Whittaker thought a little. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” he said, at last, “I cannot give you a conclusive answer + to-day, of course, but I can guarantee that no such offer as that is going + to be refused by my associates and myself. Bring forward your proposition + in writing. We'll come half-way, too, and be glad of the chance. If men + and money can accomplish it, a standard gage road will be ready for your + season's haul next year.” + </p> + <p> + He turned and touched Parker's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “This young man,” he said, “will be our representative, with full powers + to treat with you. Parker, are you ready for two years more in the + wilderness? It's a big project, and your financial encouragement will be + correspondingly big. I haven't said yet how thoroughly I appreciate your + energy and loyalty and self-reliance in the matter of this little + plaything of the past winter. I do not need to say anything, do I, except + to urge you to take this new responsibility, and to add that your + acceptance will encourage me to go ahead at once?” + </p> + <p> + Parker reached out his brown hand to meet the one extended to him. + </p> + <p> + “We also want to say to Mr. Parker,” went on Shayne, “that on our part + we'll do more to assist him than we'd do for any other man you could place + here. We have a little explanation to make to him and—” + </p> + <p> + “No explanations for me—if it's along the lines I apprehend, Mr. + Shayne!” cried the young man, jokingly yet meaningly. He bent a + significant look on the lumber king as he went forward to take his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” he murmured. “I keep my own counsels in business matters when I + can do so without betraying the interests of my employers, and when they + don't want to be bothered by my personal affairs.” + </p> + <p> + Shayne gave the engineer a long stare of honest admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Parker,” he gasped, “you never said a word? You're a—— Here, + give me you hand again!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> + <!-- IMG --></a> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%;"> + <img src="images/286.jpg" alt="Parker Give Me Your Hand Again 254-286 " width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + A half hour later the lumbermen went across the Poquette Carry in a train + made up of the engine and the coach—“the first real special train + over the road,” Parker said. + </p> + <p> + Before the young engineer left for his summer vacation, he made a long + canoe journey up into the Moxie section, ostensibly on a fishing + expedition. He was gone ten days, a longer period than he had predicted to + his assistant manager. + </p> + <p> + When he came down the West Branch one afternoon he helped Joshua Ward to + lift a crippled man out of their canoe, and he carefully directed the + helpers who carried the unfortunate person to the coach. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid the trip across the carry in a buckboard after the old manner + would have been too rough for you, Colonel Ward,” remarked Parker, as the + train clanked along under the big trees. “I think I was never more glad to + offer modern conveniences to any traveller across this carry. You + understand how deep my sincerity is in this, I am positive.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand everything better than I did, Parker,” returned Colonel + Ward, feelingly, turning away wet eyes. + </p> + <p> + The astonishment in Sunkhaze settlement when the doughty ex-tyrant was + borne through to the “down-country” train, accompanied by Parker and + Joshua, was so intense that only the postmaster recovered himself in + season to put a few leading questions. After the train had gone he + announced the results of his findings to the crowd that clustered about + him on the station platform. + </p> + <p> + “Near's I can find out,” he said, “that young Parker has been way up into + the Moxie region an' found old Gid, and spent a week gettin' round him and + coaxin' him to go 'long with him and Josh to the city, and be fitted to + new hands and feet, that, so they tell me, is so ingenious a fellow can + walk round and cut his own victuals and all that. Well, that will help old + Gid a little. If the blamed old sanup could only be fitted out with a new + disposition at the same time, we folks round here would be more pleased to + see him, come back.” + </p> + <p> + “Postmaster,” cried Dan Connick, who had been one of those who bore the + colonel from the landing in a chair, “don't you ever worry any more about + a new disposition for Gid Ward. Those things come from the hand of God, + and Colonel Gid has already been fitted out with the heart and soul of a + man!” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” declared Dodge, gazing to where the smoke wreaths from the + departing locomotive hung above the distant treetops, “I reckon we've just + seen in bodily shape the passin' of the old in this section as well as the + comin' of the new.” + </p> + <p> + THE END <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Rainy Day Railroad War, by Holman Day + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE RAINY DAY RAILROAD WAR *** + +***** This file should be named 22666-h.htm or 22666-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/2/6/6/22666/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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