Grant finally jumped in “How are we gonna get his reply?” Alvin hadn’t said nothing about that.
“You’re gonna leave instructions at the telegraph office for them to print his answer in the paper. Then you’re gonna watch the paper for us. We’ll take turns guarding Hill. We can’t very well all stop showing up for work, or they’re gonna know it’s us.”
“We ought to ask for a ransom,” one of the men declared. “Wouldn’t hurt me none to have some extra money in my pocket.”
Alvin gave a hard shake of his head. “No, that’s the kind of thing that will get us arrested for sure. This has always been about our jobs and staying put in Kalispell. We all have reasons for not wanting to relocate to Whitefish. All we need is for Hill to agree to keep things running here. The town will call us heroes. Nobody wants to lose the railroad.”
Grant finished his chicken and dumplings. It sat heavy in his gut. He looked at Alvin and the others. “Look, if we get caught, we’re all gonna go to prison. You know that. Someone might even get killed. Hill might die from the blow on the head. We should think of another way to make our point.”
Alvin pounded his fist down on the table, making the soup bowls jump and broth slosh out onto the table. “I don’t want to hear your worries about how we’re gonna go to prison if we get caught! The point is, don’t get caught. You all know what you need to do, and it’s just a straightforward and simple plan. Do what I told you to do, and we will all be fine.”
If only Grant could be as sure of that as Alvin was, but the truth was, Grant’s job wasn’t going to be easy. He had to break into the telegraph office and send the telegram and then leave word for the regular operator regarding the reply. Not only that, but the telegraph office had a large open window where people on the street could see the operator at work. He would be a sitting duck. Alvin told him no one would even notice because of all the festivities, but there was always the chance someone could wander past and spot him inside.
The chicken and dumplings in his stomach churned something fierce. Didn’t matter if someone recognized him at the telegraph office or not.
There was no way out of this mess.
Ellie tied the sash of her dressing robe around her waist with a sigh. It was good to be back at the Ashburys’ home,though the Andrewses were kind hosts. Tomorrow Father would return, and she’d sit down and talk to him about her thoughts on the Bible and God. But right now, she just wanted to crawl in bed.
A light knock sounded on her bedroom door and Ellie went to answer it. Marvella stood on the other side of the door and smiled. Sir Theophilus was in her arms and wiggled as he tried to move toward Ellie.
“I just wanted to tell you good-night, my dear.”
“I’m glad you did.” She bit the corner of her lip, then pressed forward with her request. “I wonder if I might trouble you for something.”
“Why, Ellie, you know you can. What do you need?”
Ellie gave Sir Theophilus a scratch on the head. “I wondered if I might borrow your Bible. I want to do some reading.”
Marvella’s smile broadened. “Wait right here.” She put Sir Theophilus on the floor. “I’ll be right back.”
The dog danced between Ellie and his mistress as if trying to figure out whether to stay or go. He finally chased after Marvella while Ellie tightened the ribbons on her robe and waited.
It wasn’t long until Marvella reappeared, and in her hands was a leatherbound Bible. “You may have this. The Judge and I buy extras to give away for just such an occasion. I am so delighted that you want to read God’s Word.” She stifled a yawn, raising the back of her hand to her mouth. “We can discuss it in the morning if you like. We won’t have a lot of time because of the celebration activities, but if you have questions, just let me know.”
“I will.” She took the Bible, then paused ...
The oddest sense of peace had just settled upon her.
She blinked, then met Marvella’s eyes again. “Thank you for the Bible. I’ll cherish it.”
“Mine is my dearest possession. But for now, I’ll bid you good-night. Your father will return in the morning, and I know you’ll also be anxious to see him.”
“Yes. I’ve missed him very much. We’ve not been separated from each other for long periods since before Mother died.”
The older woman scooped up her dog and gave a little wave. “Until the morning, then.”
Ellie returned to her room, closing the door behind her. The evening was chilly, so she hurried to the bed and settled in under the covers to read.
She opened first to John and turned to the fourth chapter. She started reading about the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. The story was familiar, she’d probably read it with Mother. But now, she wanted to read it and understand it for herself.
Tears pricked Ellie’s eyes as she read about the woman—a sinner, who’d had five husbands. Yet Jesus was kind to her. He didn’t shame her. Instead, He offered her living water, the chance to worship God in spirit and in truth.
What exactly did that mean? She needed to know because, in some ways, she felt just like this woman.
Confused.
Thirsty.
