The Boy in the Picture by Ray Argyle

Author:Ray Argyle [Argyle, Ray]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JNF000000, JNF025000
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 2010-07-19T23:00:00+00:00

Wherever the trains ran, a mail car like this CPR Car No. 1 followed. Carrying the Royal Mail was an essential part of the CPR’s business.

Edward listened with mounting excitement. He quickly realized this might be the chance he was looking for.

“I’ve come up from Eagle Landing,” He didn’t mention that he’d also gone as far east as Golden. “I made it all the way by horseback. I know the route. I could carry the mail for you.”

“How old are you, lad?”

“I’m eighteen. I was going to join the militia but the Rebellion’s been put down, so I’m available. I could help you out, at least until the railway’s finished.”

Edward could tell he’d caught Mr. Gordon’s interest.

“The Rebellion, eh? Good for you, lad. Too bad it all ended so soon.” He warned Edward that the job would only last a couple of months. And while he could supply him with a horse, he couldn’t pay him anything. “It would be like being in business for yourself. See what else you can carry, make it pay the best way you can.”

Edward knew Mr. Gordon was taking advantage of him. He’d have to pay wages to an adult. And he’d seen railway workers pay the cartage men to carry stuff for them.

Edward had heard about the famous Pony Express riders in the United States, who, before the railway was built down there, carried mail three thousand kilometres from Missouri to California. The Pony Express riders changed horses every few hours as they rode madly across the Prairie. Edward could imagine himself in this romantic image. It would be really exciting, and give him plenty to talk about when he got home. But he’d have to take his time going back and forth between Farwell and Eagle Landing, since he’d only have one horse and the trip would take two or three days each way.

Mr. Gordon arranged with Mrs. Clarke for Edward to have a room at the Columbia Hotel. It would cost three dollars a week, and was just big enough to hold a mattress, a table, and a chair.

The next morning, Edward went to the stables where Mr. Gordon said there would be a horse for him. He found Blackie in the paddock behind the stable. Edward had never seen an animal quite like this one. True to his name, Blackie had such a dark brown coat that it was almost black, fitted over a short and stocky body. He had short, thick legs with very large hooves, and a long, pointed nose. Edward soon found out that Blackie put his nose to good use by snuffling into his coat pocket to retrieve whatever treats might be there.

“Take good care of that animal,” the stable master told Edward. “He’s descended from a long line of wild horses. That’s why he’s built the way he is. To paw through the snow for grass and work his way through muskeg and over deadfalls. But he’s strong, and he’ll get you to Eagle Landing without breaking a sweat.

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