Woodcutter's Revival by Jerry Slauter

Author:Jerry Slauter [Slauter, Jerry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian, Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Romance
ISBN: 9780615683027
Publisher: Atlasbooks Dist Serv
Published: 2013-02-01T22:45:48+00:00

Chapter Ten

MID-WINTER

Christmas Eve came to Discovery. The winter was fairly mild, for winter in the mountains. There was about a foot of snow on the ground in places where it accumulated without being cleared. Some of the newly fallen snow hid the coal soot and airborne wood ash that rolled from the home chimneys and the smelter.

The miners were in good spirits as they reported for work. They knew they would only work a half day today and not very hard at that. They also knew this would be the one night Edward Thomas would feed them and not charge any of his silver tokens.

At noon, Raymond pulled the long blast on the whistle to indicate the end of the work day rather than the shorter noon whistle he normally blew. It seemed to him as if most of the men cleared the mine before the end of the whistle blast. As the miners passed, tugging on their coats and hats, Raymond said, “Merry Christmas, see you at the dinner tonight.”

Several answered with variations to the same theme, “You better believe we’ll be there.”

Raymond arrived at the Silver Horseshoe, which was closed early; to help move tables around so there would be room for the party. They also kept a little space open so couples could dance after dinner to the music of the local musicians. This was the only night of the year most of them were able to celebrate collectively.

They could usually not afford to hang around the saloon or were simply too tired from work. Most of the family men could not justify visiting the saloon even if they did not imbibe. Tonight, the Silver Horseshoe was not a saloon. It was a place of celebration for families and friends.

As the guests started to arrive, most brought something they could share, a pie, a plate of cookies, or maybe some nut bread. Mr. Thomas had informed them he would provide the meat and vegetables. He also offered free alcohol, but encouraged the miners to only drink in moderation. A couple of men who liked to show off their hunting skills brought fresh game they shot that afternoon.

The atmosphere was quite congenial during the dinner. After everyone had time to eat, get seconds and visit the dessert table, Victoria signaled Raymond to announce the presentation portion of the party. During this segment, Mr. Thomas gave his remarks, congratulated people, gave the Christmas bonus tokens and received his present from all the workers. He always managed to act surprised as the gift was given and words of exaltation were bestowed upon him. In several of the private conversations around the room, more remarks were exchanged:

“I don’t know why he acts so surprised, the contributions for the gift are mandatory.”

“Yeah, and besides we buy it from his store. He actually makes a profit from the sale.”

Out of hearing distance from the previous conversation someone said, “It’s getting very difficult to think of something to buy.”

“I know, he already has everything.”

Mr. Thomas was thinking something else.

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