Uncertain Glory by Lea Wait

Author:Lea Wait
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Islandport Press
Published: 2014-03-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Monday night, April 15, late evening

Even with Owen’s and Charlie’s help, it took all of Monday afternoon and evening to write up the news, set it in type, and then print it on both sides of a two-page Herald.

“We’ll meet back here at seven sharp tomorrow morning to distribute it,” I decided. “We won’t make any sales now, with most folks gettin’ ready for bed.”

Could I ask 2 cents for this bulletin instead of the 1 cent I’d been charging? Two cents was my usual charge for a full, four-page issue, but this bulletin contained historically important news. I’d taken notice when some people said they planned to keep our recent bulletins.

“Let’s hope nothing else newsworthy happens tonight,” said Charlie, pulling on his jacket.

Owen had been yawning for an hour.

Only a week ago Charlie’d complained that nothing ever happened in Wiscasset.

When I got home Ma and Pa were going over their final list of inventory items to order for the store. I peeked over Ma’s shoulder.

“Will we need to order that much?” I asked. “President Lincoln said he’s only calling up troops for three months’ service.”

The list included wool for blankets and coats, heavy thread for uniforms, boots, cheap soap, combs, brushes, handkerchiefs, shaving sets, small sewing kits, traveling writing boxes, eating implements, waterproof envelopes, and knives of all sorts.

“It’s risky,” Pa agreed. “But we’re guessing Lincoln’s being optimistic. He doesn’t want the country to be scared about the prospect of a long war. These supplies are already hard to come by, and will be harder to get in the future. Every soldier needs to be equipped.”

“Word is, the State of Maine has no money to do so,” I said.

Ma nodded. “True enough. But that won’t stop men from wanting to go, and families will do the best they can for their menfolk. We plan on having what we can here in the store to help them do that.”

“Our order will go to Boston on the stage first thing tomorrow. We may not be able to get everything on our list, but we’ll try,” said Pa. “And Joe? I know you’re busy with the paper, and all the news coming in—”

“That’s where I was tonight,” I interrupted. “I have another special edition coming out tomorrow morning. I brought you a copy.” I handed one to Pa.

He glanced at the headlines. “You interviewed Miss Gramercy, I see. That’s what I wanted to talk with you about. Your ma and I have an appointment to see her privately on Wednesday afternoon. Can you mind the store for us then?”

I’d done that many times in the past. “Of course. You’re going to ask her to contact Ethan again?”

“We are,” said Ma. “I can’t help being curious. She’s such a little thing, to have so very special a gift . . .” Ma pointed to the newspaper sheet. “Well, you’ve met her, so you know. I’m hoping she can put us in touch with Ethan one more time. She’s brought so many wonderful messages to other people in town.

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