I took an oath for this job. The oath says bring him in. That's what I'll do.
Mature Content: No
With: Charlie Wentworth, Marshal Guyer (and maybe Deputy Pike)
Time of Day: Morning
Charlie took a deep breath as he approached the door to the Marshal's office. There had been rumours flying around town for weeks now that the Marshal might have to get himself another deputy now that Barnabas Pike had a wife and a ranch to look after. He wasn't sure when he decided to find out if the Marshal would be interested in taking him on and teaching the ropes, all he knew was that he wanted to give it a try. The appeal of working as a ranch hand had dimmed and he was ready to try something else.
In his mind, he had already worked out that he would do what he could to get the job, even if it meant a cut in pay or not getting paid at all. It would take some time for him to learn the trade of being a lawman and he could think of no better teachers than Guyer and Pike.
As he opened door, he could see Guyer over at his desk. "Good morning, Marshall. Do you have time for a talk?"
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Lost in thought about Pike and Em pulling out for their honeymoon to wherever they might be headed, he was startled by the young man's greeting.
"Sure enough." Speed replied looking him over, thinking he had seen him before, but not in a troublemaker type situation, he just knew that he had seen the younger man in passing somewhere at sometime. "So, what brings you in this morning? You in trouble, or are you having some trouble I might be able to help with?"
I took an oath for this job. The oath says bring him in. That's what I'll do.
"No, no trouble," Charlie said as he held his hand, "The name's Charlie Wentworth."
Since this was the man he was hoping to work for, Charlie decided to get straight to the point. "There's been talk around town that you might be interested in getting some more help now that your deputy is married. I've come to find out if that is true and if it is would consider taking me on as one of your deputies."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Speed smiled. "Well, yes as a matter of fact, I am looking to replace him while Pike's gone." He remembered the name and it was associated with drunkenness. not that it mattered if the young man was willing to do something about it, not that there was much more than his taking the pledge.
"I ever have you in jail, Charlie? Even overnight?" he asked. "Not that an overnight stay to sober up would hold you back from the job, I just need to know. If not, then we'll forget I asked."
"Now, the job pays seventy-five dollars a month, we pay for your ammunition, provide shotguns and rifles, if need be. We tend to work long hours sometimes, split duties, make rounds in the evening. Rarely are we ever out late. Still sound like something you'd be interested in? Oh, and yes, you could be shot at, on occasion."
I took an oath for this job. The oath says bring him in. That's what I'll do.
"No sir, I've never been in jail. Thankfully, I've had family to take of me when...well when I've indulged too much," he replied. Knowing he would have to be up front with the Marshall, he continued, "The last time I slept it off in a barn and found out later that I had gotten myself into a contract with Lorenzo Crabbe. That's the only thing, that you might not like. I have to fight in an organised match some time within the next week or so."
Going over to a vacant chair, Charlie sat down and looked up at Guyer, "The last I got drunk was the last time. A few things have happened because of my drinking that I have cause to regret and I aim not to let them happen again. All I can say, is that I'll do my best to make sure that you don't regret taking me on."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
"A fight? Well, I don't suppose there's anything illegal about that. Lorenzo Crabbe? Now that name sounds familiar, not sure from where or why, just does." Speed gave pause. "So, now, the drink problem, sounds to me like you've learned a lesson some never do about it."
"I'm no teetotaler and I've no problem with it unless it's a problem, mine or anyone else's in this office. So long as it doesn't become one here, you've nothing to worry about, so that can be the last we ever mention it." Speed looked at the young man, then said, "Ever kill a man?"
I took an oath for this job. The oath says bring him in. That's what I'll do.
Charlie shook his head, "No sir, I haven't had any call to do so. I know that it's part of the job and when...if the time comes I don't know how I'll react. All I know is that I'll do my best to avoid killing someone if I can. I promise you that I'll never shoot any on purpose."
He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. He did really want to give this a go. Maybe this was he was meant to be and if it wasn't, then he could look for something else to do. All he knew was that the life of a sedate rancher or farmer was not for him...at least for the foreseeable future.
"Marshall Guyer, all I can say is that try my best and learn as much as I can from you," he said humbly, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
"Well Charlie, tell you what," He slid open a drawer and took out a badge. "I'll hire you on a trial basis. Meanin' we'll give this a try for the next month, and see how it goes. If you work out, we'll take you on permanent." He paused a moment, "Not sure Pike'll be back as a deputy. Since he's married and building that ranch of his there's just no telling what he'll want to do."
He smiled, but there was already a sense of loss, and a sense of gain. Of course, what would happen if he didn't run for re-election? But that was a ways off, and he would have Charlie to train as best as he could.
"You ever do much shooting? Target shooting, or hunting, that sort of shooting?" He planned to take him out to where he and Pike liked to practice, make use of that paid for ammunition, see what he could do. Of course, it would be different against a man than bottles or cans, but it would give him an idea of what Charlie could do.
I took an oath for this job. The oath says bring him in. That's what I'll do.
"I've done some shooting but I guess I can always use the practice," Charlie answered, "I don't expect to become some sort of gunslinger but I would like to know how to defend myself if I ever get in a position that I need to."
Leaning over the desk, Charlie picked up the badge and twirled in around in his fingers for a moment before shining it on his pants leg. He then pinned it to his vest and looked over to the sheriff. "I guess all that's left to do for now is to swear me in."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Speed smiled at the young man as he handled the tin badge, shining it, then pinning it on. "Raise your, oh, hold on." He opened the lower drawer and produced a bible. "Now, left hand on the 'Good Book,' and raise the right hand. Then repeat after me,"
"I, state your name, swear to uphold the laws of Kalispell , the County of Flathead, and the Territory of Montana to the best of my ability, so help me God." Not a long winded, flowery oath by any means, but direct, simple, and complete.