The boy shook his head. “It looks too complicated.”
“It’s just a matter of balance really. Oh, and keeping the pedals going. If you don’t do both at the same time, you will fall over.”
“Wow. Have you ever fallen over?”
She grinned. “Several times in the past. Especially as I was learning. But that’s all right. You just get back up and start again.”
His eyes were wide as he watched her hop on the bicycle. She gave him a little wave and pedaled down the street.
The ride to town was brisk, with the crisp mountain air in her face. Eleanor dropped off the watch at the repair shop and then made her way to the outfitter Grinnell hadrecommended. She had to ask for help locating it, but recognized some of the places she’d passed the day before and felt that perhaps she would soon have her bearings. And then, all at once, she had arrived.Johnson’s Outfitters, the sign announced.
Seeing no good place to leave her bicycle, she leaned it against the front of the brick building and made her way inside. Immediately she had the attention of the clerk.
A middle-aged man with a balding head and bushy mustache offered her a slight bow. “May I help you? We carry all of the most up-to-date supplies for outdoor needs.”
“I would like to see what you have available in tents.”
“Of course. Come right this way.” He turned and headed toward the back of the store.
Eleanor followed him. Canteens, wool blankets, hatchets, and a large display of new duck canvas shoulder packs caught her eye.
“These are our very best tents.” The clerk came to a stop in front of rolled and bagged tents. He released the drawstring on one end of a tan-colored bag and slid the tent out. “The canvas is waxed to keep out moisture and although you can’t see it, the wooden tent poles fit into each other with a clamping mechanism to tighten it down and hold it in place. It keeps the tent steady and secure. And instead of just six stakes, this tent has eight. Makes for a very comfortable stay. I’ve used one like it several times myself.”
She examined the cloth. It did seem to be a quality piece. “Is it large enough for two or even three people?”
“Oh, yes. This is the deluxe model. If you need something smaller or bigger, we have those as well.”
He showed her a couple of other styles and talked abouttheir benefits and failings, then left her to go and help another customer.
“The best tent is the one he showed you first ... if you have the money to spare.”
Eleanor whirled around to find a man a little taller than she was.
A bit grubby in appearance, he gave a shrug. “I’ve led a few folks out into the wilderness and have tried a few tents in my time.”
Did all strange men out here feel free to speak to women they didn’t even know? How disconcerting. Still, no need to be impolite. “Thank you. I appreciate your ... advice. We’ve done a great deal of camping ourselves, all across the United States.”
She turned back to the selection, hoping the man would get the hint that she wasn’t interested in having him help her.
“The name is Grant Wallace.” He moved to her side.
Eleanor glanced his way again. He seemed harmless enough. But she would keep her guard up, just in case. “I’m Miss Briggs.”
“What brings you to Kalispell, if you don’t mind my asking?”
She frowned. She did mind, but she’d promised herself to do better. Mother had always stressed it took very little to be kind. “My father is here with Mr. George Grinnell. Perhaps you’ve heard of him? He is working to see that a national park is developed not far from here.”
The man frowned. “I’ve heard of that, but not the man.”
Something in his expression drew her attention. “You don’t seem very happy about it.”
“I don’t see the need for it one way or the other.” Hecrossed his arms over his chest. “Especially if that has something to do with the railroad pulling out.”
Grinnell’s words from earlier whispered in her mind about the railroad’s move being to their benefit. She ignored the little warning bells in her mind, her passion for the subject coming to the forefront. “But you should. Preserving our lands is most important. If we stand by and do nothing, it won’t be long at all until all the illustrious landscapes are overrun with settlers and those who will do nothing to maintain the beauty. You should see things back east. Many a picturesque area has been overpopulated and destroyed.”
He shrugged but the lines in his forehead deepened. “I suppose you could have a point, but I know Mr. Hill of the railroad supports a national park, and I can’t be for anything that man wants.”
Well ... how odd. “And why is that?”
