“I would.” Kane got to his feet, and Isaac did likewise. “I believe it’s critical for the education of our students to know about the world around them. We teach a survey course that includes the Pacific Northwest, but I believe we owe it to ourselves to dig deeper. We are going to see this university grow with the times and be the finest the West has to offer.”
The pride President Kane held for the institute was apparent, and Isaac couldn’t help feeling proud that he had been chosen to be a part of it.
“How soon would you like a class syllabus for the Pacific Northwest studies?”
“I’d like to have it in two weeks if that’s possible. I know you are already hard at work preparing for your other classes, but I would like to instate this study as soon as possible.”
“I can have it to you in that time.” Isaac looked forward to putting it together.
Kane extended his hand. “Thank you, Dr. Hanson. I will look forward to reviewing it with the head of the department.”
Isaac exited the building thinking of his apology to Addie. She said she needed time. Given that he was going to have to put together a syllabus in two weeks for a brand-new class, Isaac knew he’d be busy. Maybe it would be enough time to help her see that they still belonged together.
16
Addie finished her lecture and gave the audience a smile. “I’d be happy to take questions.”
A young girl, probably no more than thirteen, raised her hand and Addie pointed to her. “Yes, what is your question?”
“How did you know how to build a boat once you got to Lake Bennett?”
“There were men who knew how to build boats who stayed on to help the folks heading north,” Addie explained. “Sometimes you were able to hire a crew to build the boat for you, or they might even have some already built. You could rent a boat, possibly, but that was far less likely. Building your own was something you took control of and could count on.
“My brothers and father knew a little something about putting a boat together, but of course, they were far from experts. However, with the help of an expert, it took them very little time to put together a waterworthy vessel. Sometimes folks didn’t want to pay for an expert’s help and put together their own creations without knowing anything about boatbuilding. They usually ended up sinking, or their vessels got dashed on the rocks.”
Addie looked out over the audience. “Does someone else have another question?”
A boy raised his hand. “You said there were two trails north, the Chilkoot and the White Pass. How’d you know which one to take?”
“We didn’t, really. The White Pass wasn’t as steep or difficult. Horses were able to make the trip, and there were groups in Skagway who hired out and took folks north. However, it was a very muddy and narrow trail, and many of the horses died, which is why they sometimes called it Dead Horse Trail. The Chilkoot was much steeper and icy. By the time we arrived, the railroad out of Skagway and up the White Pass was already being built. It complicated things, and my father was never one for complications. I think he figured the Chilkoot was the path of least resistance. Of course, they were both quite arduous, and thousands of people died trying to get rich.
“I have time for one more question.” She chose a redheaded boy.
“Did you see any bears?” This question brought laughter and jeering from his classmates.
“I did,” Addie answered quickly. “I also saw wolves, and once a man brought a dead mountain lion into town. The Yukon was a very dangerous place.” She noted the time and gave the audience a smile. “I must bid you farewell now, but I hope you’ll all line up to the side of the stage and get your class photo taken. Teachers, you can pick these up at Fisher Photography on the Pay Streak.”
The audience clapped, and Addie stepped from the stagefeeling good that she’d been able to share from her life experiences. Her time spent in Dawson City had always been more negative than positive, but the experience of telling the children about her time there did indeed seem to heal her from the bad parts. The children were eager to hear the stories—at least most of them were.
“Addie, do you have a minute?”
She stepped from the stage and allowed Isaac to help her down the stairs. “Hello, Isaac.” It was getting easier to see him, but not less painful. “I’m heading back to the photography shop. You’re welcome to walk with me.”
He took hold of her arm and guided her through the crowd. But instead of making his way to Pay Streak, he paused at the Klondike Circle and led her to a bench where they could sit.
Addie didn’t feel like arguing with Isaac about her schedule, so she took a seat and waited to hear him out. He looked quite dapper in his tan suit and blue shirt, but the expression on his face was rather serious.
“We need to talk, Addie. I would have chosen a better time, but I never know when that is exactly. I thought of coming to your cottage but didn’t want to be disrespectful of your reputation.”
Addie forced a smile. “That’s all right. What did you want?”
“I wanted to make sure you were doing all right. I really feel bad for the way I treated you at the pastor’s.”
“I’m doing all right, Isaac. I’ve been very busy with my various jobs.”
“I know you have. I have been as well. I have to create a syllabus—a sort of outline for a new class they want to give at the university.”
“How nice.”
