Sit down, shut up, don't touch anythin'
Posted July 28, 2018 | Location: Whitefish, Blackbird Saloon and Chop House
The request had been last minute, and had it not been 'urgent', Addy would likely have told the man at the freight office to just wait until morning to fetch the freight waiting in Whitefish, since the trip there and back would take several hours and it was already past noon. But with the bribe of a little bonus, Addy had agreed to the trip, and in no time she had her team hitched ad was headed out of town. If her timing worked out, she could grab supper at the saloon there while her wagon was being loaded, and she'd be back in Kalispell before dark.
Of course, Summer and evening meant the possibility of fighting gnats and mosquitoes, but that was just something you had to contend with. And at least she had company...she'd been stopped by Speed on her way out of town, and the man had asked if he could accompany her, as a means of seeing more of the territory. She hadn't been disappointed...while she was more than happy to travel alone, Speed was an easy companion, fun and interesting to chat with, and the four-hour trip had gone by quickly.
Now, as they waited for the wagon to be loaded with Dr. Danforth's equipment, as well as some other sundries that had been waiting for transport, they were at the 'Blackbird Saloon and Chop House', grabbing a quick meal.
"Food here's pretty good," Addy commented as they settled at a table, "owner's from England, an' they got things called 'cottage pie' an' 'toad in a hole'." She didn't mention the 'spotted dick! "An' they got excellent steak!"
First, though, she'd start with a beer to wash away the heat and road dust.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Posted July 29, 2018
"Food here's pretty good," Addy commented as they settled at a table, "owner's from England, an' they got things called 'cottage pie' an' 'toad in a hole'." She didn't mention the 'spotted dick! "An' they got excellent steak!
"Now I could use a good steak." Speed admitted. It had been a long stretch since breakfast at the White Rose Boarding Houses cafe. And, he knew, it would be a long time to get back with a loaded wagon. The company was good, though it would be slow going.
First, though, she'd start with a beer to wash away the heat and road dust.
"Best get us something to wash this dust out of our throats if you'll allow me? He offered. "Seems like a couple of beers would go pretty good about now."
Posted July 31, 2018
Sitting at his usual table down the street at the Silver Dollar, the news of Chapple's arrival had reached Town Marshal Case Steelgrave. Along with that news of a man with her that had not been seen in Whitefish before. It was clear though, that this stranger was not the gunman Case had interest in.
"Boss, you want I should go down and see what's what with 'em?" Pecos asked. "Sort 'em out right quick like. Her wagon's bein' loaded with freight of one sort or another." Pecos was a salty one. Eager for the fight, short on manners, hygiene and, intelligence. A deadly sort of man.
Case looked up at the man, appreciating his skill, and his faults. "Let 'em be, Pecos. I already know what the freight is, and I've got no interest in whoever this new fellow is. Besides, I kind of like Addie Chapple, so she gets a pass in Whitefish." He paused then looked coldly into Pecos' eyes. Nothing happens to Addy Chapple in town or on the trail. You might want to remember that. Go see about the Englishman's business tax. No trouble about it just ask."
Right boss, I'll ask politely." And with that, he turned and left.
Sit down, shut up, don't touch anythin'
Posted July 31, 2018
Addy grinned. "I'd be more'n happy." When the waitress came by she ordered beer and a steak, then asked Speed, "Whacha think of th' big city'a Whitefish?" She laughed. "There more wilderness around these parts than ya figured, or was that what you were hopin' fer?"
Some people couldn't handle the lack of 'civilization', others, like her, looked for it, and still others looked to exploit it.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Posted August 1, 2018
After matching Addy's order of a steak and a beer Speed began, "Well, I wouldn't exactly call this a big city." Speed replied with a smile. "I've been in the big cities in the east, and trust me I much prefer Kalispell and Whitefish to them." He paused as the waitress delivered the beers. "Wilderness, well, it's freedom. After the war, I thought New York would be the end all be all for me. It wasn't. It was crowded, noisy, filthy. Worse than the war, and that was plenty bad enough." He raised his glass to her. "The wilderness. So, tell me, Miss Chappel, how'd you come to be a teamster?"
Sit down, shut up, don't touch anythin'
Posted August 2, 2018
Raising her glass, Addy gave the man a nod, then downed a long swig. "In m' blood," she explained, setting the mug on the table, her finger idly rubbing over the handle. "Pa's a muleskinner an' drover, an' I just took to it natural. 'Course, I had a passel'a brothers, so I learnt more 'bout critters'n cookin'!" She laughed. "I like it better'n bein' in a house all day, an' I drove durin' th' war, when there wasn't no men ta do it...an' just kept right on."
Honestly, she couldn't really imagine doing anything else, except maybe making beer!
"What 'bout you? Ya say yer out here prospectin' or somethin'?"
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Posted August 3, 2018
"True, I'm looking for mineral deposits, timber, that sort of thing. Mosty minerals though." Speed began. "My partner and I have a firm in New York. I find the ore, he finds the buyers. Pretty simple. Except I don't have to be in New York and he, Davis Wood, doesn't have to leave the city. Works out beautifully for the both of us." He smiled. "Actually. I hate the cities. Too crowded. Out here a man can stretch out, make something of his own. Can't do that in the cities. Oh, you can start a business alright, but then one is trapped in it. I admire your outlook."
Sit down, shut up, don't touch anythin'
Posted August 4, 2018
Leaning forward, Addy raised an eyebrow, then whispered, "So, th' rumors 'bout gold are real?" She was joshing, of course, and even if she wasn't she'd never say anything like that loud enough for anyone to overhear -- even an unfounded hint could bring a rush of insanity that could lead to massive destruction.
She sat back with a grin and took a sip of her beer. "I've found that away from th' big, fancy cities folks take ya fer what ya are, so long as ya look out fer yerself an' mind God's law.
Few ever questioned her driving a stage or wearing britches out here, and if someone did, there always seemed to be another who would jump to her defense.
"'Cept maybe school marms," she observed, "folks are awfully particular 'bout who's teachin' their young'ins, no matter where they are...Nope, no drinkin' of marryin' fer them!"
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Posted August 5, 2018
Leaning forward, Addy raised an eyebrow, then whispered, "So, th' rumors 'bout gold are real?" She was joshing, of course, and even if she wasn't she'd never say anything like that loud enough for anyone to overhear -- even an unfounded hint could bring a rush of insanity that could lead to massive destruction.
Knowing what that word could do, Speed leaned forward and in a low voice replied; “Gold?” He smiled. “That remains to be seen, I’ve yet to get out in the field. There could be.” Then he sat back.
She sat back with a grin and took a sip of her beer. "I've found that away from th' big, fancy cities folks take ya fer what ya are, so long as ya look out fer yerself an' mind God's law.
“A major part of what I found so far. Oh, there are those that have abandoned the law and run roughshod over good people. But in the end, most are good God-fearing folks who mind their own affairs and are always ready to lend a hand.” Speed said seriously.
Few ever questioned her driving a stage or wearing britches out here, and if someone did, there always seemed to be another who would jump to her defense.
"'Cept maybe school marms," she observed, "folks are awfully particular 'bout who's teachin' their young'ins, no matter where they are...Nope, no drinkin' of marryin' fer them!"
“Yes, a sad thing. But it's the same in the east. Hopefully, that will change.” Speed responded. “It seemed to be loosening up before I left New York. I mean people have the right to be happy and be dedicated to their calling in life. Seems we just ten years past fought a war for reunification of this country, That was enough sorrow for one nation. Sorry, just an old soldier ranting here.” He took a sip of beer.
Sit down, shut up, don't touch anythin'
Posted August 10, 2018
Addy shrugged. "No sorry, yer right, war took a heavy cost an' we ought not ta throw that away." Even though she'd been with the 'losing' side, the War Between the States had been horrific and in all honesty no one had 'won'. "Still an' all, can't abide havin' buildin's blockin' my sun an' fancy trolley cars cloggin' th' roads."
Leaning back, she nodded to the waitress as the food was delivered. "Thank ya." Then she glanced at Speed again. "Can't say as I mind th' scenery 'round here, an' th' open...though I can do without th' snow. Never good when ya get in a drift taller'n you are!" She laughed, then dug into supper.