“It’s a whole sight better,” she replied, ready with anotherplate. “The railroad is already fifty miles to the west, and they’ve set up another town. Soon the workers won’t be flocking back here for much of anything.”
Charlie hurried to dry the dish he held, then set it aside so that he could take the next one Mrs. Cooper offered. He was glad to hear another person confirm that the town was in better shape than it had been. He didn’t like the idea of living in a lawless society. His father would never have started a bank in Cheyenne if he’d known just how bad things were to begin with. Jacob had written home about some of the lawlessness but hadn’t fully described the danger. If he had, Father would no doubt have put an end to the venture.
“The vigilante committee and town marshal’s office have done a good job cleaning things up. Mr. Cooper told me the committee has been needed less and less, and we’re all glad about that.”
“Were they pretty ruthless?” Charlie had never lived anywhere that boasted a vigilante committee before.
“They were just. And they saved the town a lot of court costs. Still, I like the idea of law and order by the book.” She handed off another plate.
Charlie nodded. “So do I. Vigilantes make me think of a lack of civilization.”
“Well, that for sure was Cheyenne a few months ago, but it’s settling down day by day. I think we’re going to be a great town now. We still have some lesser-desired characters, and of course there are still the saloons and gambling halls.” She glanced around before meeting Charlie’s gaze. “Not to mention those places where certain women ... make a living.”
“Of course. Hopefully that will be cleaned up in time.”
“I do hope so, although I suppose sin is sin and will always be with us.”
“It’s mighty nice to have everyone gathered for Easter services,” Dr. Scott said from the front of the room. “As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it’s good to remember His sacrifice for us.”
Charlie fingered the leather spine of his Bible as the man continued to speak of God loving the world enough to send Jesus. Easter always brought to mind the hopelessness of the world without a Savior.
“Most of us have seen this town at its worst,” Dr. Scott said, and many of the people around Charlie nodded or made some comment. “We’ve borne the brunt of terrible men who’ve done terrible things. A few women as well. Sin abounded, as it always seems to do, but as God’s people have come together in prayer and worship, we have seen God change hearts and minds.”
Charlie glanced to the right, where he’d seen Melody Doyle and an older man take their seats. He presumed the man was her father. Next to them was a young couple with a little girl, and just ahead of them, an older woman and man. Charlie could hardly wait to get to know everyone.
“We are glad to see Cheyenne take on the refinement of law and order, just as we rejoice when a lost sinner comes home to accept Jesus as Savior. Cleaning up the foul and dirty brings a light and joy to those who experience it. The people who turn themselves over to Jesus rise up from the grave of sin and sorrow to a new life eternal. And the process is as simple as believing and accepting.”
Charlie had heard the salvation message preached many times, but on Easter the message always held special meaning to him. He thrilled as a boy to hear the story of Peter andJohn racing to the tomb to find it empty. He tried to imagine himself there as one of the disciples learning that his Lord was no longer in the grave. He could picture the group gathered later to discuss the matter and Jesus appearing before them. Were they terrified? Were they completely awestruck when they realized that Jesus was alive?
“If you don’t know the Lord,” Dr. Scott preached, “then you don’t know peace of mind and soul. Jesus welcomes all to come. He tells us in the book of John that He is the way to God the Father—that there is no other. Not even one option. Salvation is through Christ alone. And it’s not hard to obtain. We don’t have to do anything special. No tricks. No cost to us, because Jesus already paid the cost. We just have to believe and confess.”
Mother had once told Charlie the same thing, adding that far too often people tried to make it much harder. They couldn’t believe that something so important should be so easy ... but it was.
It wasn’t long before they were singing the closing hymn and prayer was offered to end the service. Charlie felt a sense of joy in having joined this congregation to celebrate the resurrection. They had welcomed him as if he were already a member, a part of the family.
“Before we leave this evening,” Dr. Scott said, holding up his hands, “I’d like to ask you to retake your seats for just a moment. Clancy Doyle has asked to address the congregation.”
Charlie watched as the older man with Melody moved past her into the aisle and headed to the front of the room. Charlie and the others sat down to hear what the man had to say.
“Most of ya would be knowin’ me, but for those who don’t, I’m Clancy Doyle.” His brogue betrayed his Irish heritage.“I work for the UP, and me daughter, Melody, is just over there.” She gave a little wave, looking almost embarrassed.
“It’s on account of Melody that I asked to be speakin’ to ya now. The fact is, she would be likin’ to settle down here in Cheyenne, and since the railroad is soon to be movin’ me westward, I find meself in a bit of a fix.” He took hold of the lapels of his coat and smiled. “I need to be findin’ a husband for me daughter.”
Charlie’s eyes widened. He was begging for a husband for his beautiful daughter? Grief, but the woman could surely have a dozen suitors if she wanted them.
“Now, if ya know me,” the older man continued, “then ya’d be knowin’ I’m mighty particular about who comes courtin’.” There was laughter from around the room. Most of it from the men. “But I’ll be entertainin’ any man who cares to come and speak to me about Melody. He must be a God-fearin’ man with a good job and decent place to live. He must talk to me first before he goes talkin’ to Melody about courtin’. That’s me first and most important rule. She’s a good woman with a kind heart. She loves the Lord and keeps our house well and cooks meals that melt in yar mouth. She’ll make a fine wife for someone, but first they must come speak to me.”
Charlie glanced over at Melody, who looked to have slidden down a bit in her chair. Poor woman. Her father wasn’t making this easy. For all purposes, she was on the auction block with her father esteeming her virtues.
“Well, that’s me piece,” Clancy finished with a nod. “May the good Lord lay His blessin’s upon ya.”
Immediately folks started talking around him, but Charlie was far more interested in the men who approached Clancy Doyle as if his announcement were the most natural thingin the world. The older and married men seemed to clump together, while several women went to Melody’s side.
He wasn’t at all sure what to do. He’d wanted to say hello to Melody, but now it seemed as if that might not be the best idea. He didn’t want her father to think he was disrespecting his command to talk to him first. But on the other hand, Charlie wasn’t truly seeking a wife yet. Was he? God knew he prayed about it nearly every day. He often imagined settling down and having a family, and he even liked the idea of staying in Cheyenne permanently.
“I’m Edward Vogel,” a man announced.
Charlie looked to his side. It was the man who’d sat near the Doyles. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Charles Decker, president of the Cheyenne Savings and Loan.”
