“Try not to despair, my friend. I know God is watching over you in all of this. He has a journey figured out for you and just the right man for you to take it with. You’ll soon be just as happy as I am.”
4
“I can’t believe you’re going to loan Cadot money. His ranch is already being used as collateral.” Jefferson paced back and forth.
“The cattle themselves are of value, and the ranch hasn’t been reassessed since the improvements Cadot made over the winter,” Charlie told Jefferson. “I think there’s more than enough equity to support the additional loan. Besides, he’s getting a really good deal. Those Texas boys are desperate to get rid of their herd, and the price is a good one. Cadot is only paying ten dollars a head and will sell them in the fall for triple that or more. The army has already arranged to buy whatever animals he wants to sell. He plans to use the profits to pay off the loan and still have enough to bring in new stock. He has a reasonable plan.”
“What do you know about raising cattle?” Jefferson asked. The smirk had returned to his face.
“Not that much, but I’m not afraid to learn.”
“What about your father’s advice not to use animals as collateral? Anything living can die.”
“Like I said, the ranch is worth more now than when heborrowed the money against it last summer.” Charlie frowned. He didn’t like that a subordinate would give him such a difficult time. “Now, the matter is settled, and I’d appreciate it if you’d get back to your own job so that I can do mine.”
The front door opened, and Charlie recognized Wilson Porter from the boardinghouse. “Pastor Porter. How can I help you?” He went to the man and extended his hand.
The man shook hands with Charlie. “Thought I’d come set up an account. Mrs. Cooper told me how to find you.”
“Come into my office, and we’ll talk.”
Wilson followed him and took the leather-bound chair Charlie offered. Charlie had hoped to get to know the man better; after all, they were about the same age and neither had family in the area.
“If I heard you correctly the other night, you’re out here to minister to the Indians.”
Wilson nodded. “I am. I felt God called me west, so after the war, I attended seminary and then talked my local church into sponsoring me.”
Charlie felt obliged to share a bit of his own life. “I’m from Chicago. Served in the war and came back home to continue with the family business of banking. Although, it’s not exactly how I’d like to spend the rest of my life.”
Wilson eased back in the chair. “I remember hearing you say over supper that you were interested in teaching.”
“Yes, I truly feel it’s my calling.”
“So God called you to teach, but you chose banking instead?”
Charlie laughed. “Well, Pastor Porter, I guess that’s one way to put it. Frankly, I was trying to honor my father. He wanted all three of his sons to follow his example and be bankers.”
“You can call me Will. Never did take to titles.”
“Will it is. Now, you mentioned something about wanting to open an account.”
Just then, Jefferson appeared at the open door. He paused to knock, and Charlie waved him in. He put two ledgers on Charlie’s desk and turned to go without a word. The expression on his face, however, left Charlie little doubt he was most perturbed.
“Jefferson, wait just a minute.”
The younger man turned, not even trying to hide his annoyance. Charlie just smiled. “I’d like you to meet a new customer of ours. Pastor Wilson Porter.” He figured using the title was appropriate given the situation. “And Pastor Porter, this is my assistant, Jefferson Lane.”
“Pastor Porter,” Jefferson said in a clipped tone. He didn’t so much as smile.
“Mr. Lane.” Will gave a nod. “Very nice to meet you.”
Charlie didn’t care for Jefferson’s stiff and unfriendly manner but said nothing. He supposed this was just going to be the way of things until Jefferson realized Charlie was going to do things his own way.
“So, Will,” Charlie began after Jefferson had gone, “where are you from?”
“Ohio. Outside of Cincinnati and later in the city of Salem. As you come from a family lineage of bankers, I come from a long line of preachers.”
“Do you still have family in Ohio?”
