The Pinfire Lady by P J Gallagher

Author:P J Gallagher [Gallagher, P.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

In the morning Abbie called her people together for a frank discussion. All had heard details of the previous night’s shooting, and everyone was curious about the purpose of the meeting. Rather than dwelling upon that incident, Abbie stated that it was still her intention to travel north to the Pike’s Peak area, probably to the community known as Colorado City. Did they still want to continue to travel with her, or would they prefer to make other arrangements?

There was an immediate chorus of voices all stating that they wanted to remain united as one party and Abbie felt gratified by their response.

‘In that case,’ she said, ‘Perhaps we should at this time consider what, in a general sort of way, are our individual plans at the end of our journey?’

Jacob shrugged his thin shoulders and indicated that, as they all well knew, he wanted to start peddling his wares when they reached the end of trail. Until that time, he was willing to assist any of his fellow travellers in need of assistance.

The women looked at each other waiting for someone to begin. Finally, Nelly Smith looked at her son Tom, he nodded and she stated that their plans were that he would find work in one of the mines while she figured on taking in washing, noting that with all of the menfolk there she should have no lack of business.

Ann Marlowe and Beth Isaacson had obviously discussed this topic for some time, and they stated that they intended to pool their resources and open an eating place, nothing fancy, just a place where hungry miners could get a good hot meal.

Naomi Johnson and Eve Schultz were a trifle more ambitious. They said that they believed it would not be too long before there were more womenfolk in the area, and so they intended to stock up with bolts of cloth, lace and reels of cotton from Bent’s Store and open a ladies’ dress shop. Then they all turned and looked expectantly at Dora McAdam.

She blushed, looked down at her feet, smiled and said sweetly, ‘Well, I guess it all depends what Mr Harding is doing!’ And there was general laughter as that worthy hid his face in his coat.

He emerged and said, ‘Well, I’m sticking with the captain as long as she needs me. So I guess Dora’s plans will have to fit in with mine.’

Thus, there was complete agreement that they would continue together as a united wagon train and, with that in mind, all set to refurbish their wagons and harness and check stores for the next long haul.

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