"Yankee huh? Me too. I was in two regiments. 146th New York Regiment....we had us those fancy Zouave uniforms ya know," Ralph grinned, "Johnny Rebs could see us a mile off but damn we looked pretty."
"When those wore out though, we got regular replacement uniforms. Then when the regiment mustered out last year of the war, I joined another regiment - the 5th also out of New York and finished the war with them."
He sighed, "I know the war was terrible and all that. Saw a lot of men die. Killed me some rebs too. But you know what? I think fighting in that war was the finest thing I ever done in my life. I'm proud of my service."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
“Zouaves, saw you boys a time or two, and those uniforms were fancy, I’ll say that. But you boys lived up to 'em.” Speed recalled. “Terrible time, it was. Lost us a lot of men, and I’d agree with you, on fighting for your country, it was the finest thing I ever did as well.”
There was a pause, “I take it from your units you hail from New York. That’s where my mining company is, well, a partnership. Of course that would also be my reason for asking about the lad, as I’d said. Plumb got off on another subject.”
"Yeah, New York City, things weren't going so well for me there anyhow so I signed up for the army. Least you got fed and a roof...or a tent over your head," Ralph chuckled.
He laughed, “Just like a couple veterans, goin’ on about the war. Now that cattle drive I asked about, understood it to be from Shade Thornton’s ranch for the Army. That was just in passing, not sure if there were any hostiles out, that sort of thing.”
"Could well be, wouldn't know," the bartender shrugged.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
The conversation with Ralph had been invigorating and most pleasant, of course a couple of veterans reminiscing about those past battles would tend to get the blood flowing.
Next, as he walked down the boardwalk was an empty store, one that would serve him in his business endeavors. Of course, before it was the bright blue and white dress shop which was not open just yet. Of the passing people already out to do their shopping, Speed found his hand almost steadily at his hat brim, and a smile on his lips. Kalispell was a friendly town, one of the things he liked about it
The one thing that he had accomplished on his rounds, such as they were, was the vacant building, two story which would allow for both business and lodging and, it sat almost directly across from the municipal building and his office. He would make it a point to contact the land office to look into it’s cost. It would be good to have his own place as he planned to settle in Kalispell now that he had the Marshal’s job.
There were, of course, other states with gold, silver, copper, and other minerals, to be sure. But what he was thinking was perhaps starting up a branch of the company with other men that could and would go afield to do the research, bidding and buying for the company, he would get a wire off to the home office in New York and Nolan Wood, his partner.
The day was shaping up quite nicely.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
He made his way to the telegraph office and sent the wire regarding his plan, and to let Nolan know what was happening out in the west. The trip so far had netted the company mining and timber interests which at last notice was certainly paying dividends that covered his expenses and allowance.
Leaving the telegraph office, Speed looked over the street and realized that indeed, he was home. It seemed odd to call it that, even mentally, but that was how he felt about the town. It was growing, little by little, and that was good. It could use an influx of people, that would help land sales and construction as well as all the businesses that growth would touch, or create.
He headed directly to the land office to gather information on the building and, after a brief conversation about it, he learned it was owned by the bank. Meaning a visit with Mister Croft and Luke Johnson, both of which he had not seen in sometime.
He entered the bank, stood in a two person line before young Johnson. When he reached the cage he said, “Luke, how’s the bride? Anxious for the Fall festival I’d bet.”
Always take the long view.
"Morning, Marshal," Luke answered. It was not often that the town Marshal would come into the bank. Part of Luke wondered if it was on official business.
Setting aside the ledger temporarily, Luke leaned forward a little, "Ruth is well. She's gotten herself on some sort of committee organising a few of the stalls that will be there. I'm glad she has something else to occupy her time instead of spending the day shopping." He stopped short of saying gossiping as well. Even though he loved Ruth, he was concerned about how much she knew of the town's goings on.
However, now was the time to ruminate about what his wife was up to, "What can I help you with?"
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
"Good to hear, Luke. Well sir, I need to see the boss, unless, of course, you are handling properties. In that case, you'll do just fine," Speed stated. He had no fears on the costs, and he was sure there would be quite a few, from the building to the furnishings that it would require, both for the business and his residence. "I've a plan Luke, opening a business."
Even speaking the words sounded strange, starting a business. He had the capitol, he and Nolan had seen to that. There would be by this time a hefty sum sitting in the bank which would pay for everything including the hiring of men.
Always take the long view.
"A new business? Well, we will be certainly needing some more soon. I have a friend in Whitefish who tells me that some people aren't happy with the way things are going there and they may pull up at stakes soon."
He paused, before going on, "All it is at the moment is a rumour but you never know. As for properties, I can give you some details on those we have, but if you wish to buy then you will have speak to Mr. Croft."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
“Whitefish seems to have a set of problems that stunts it growth alright.” Speed smiled. “Well now, I have a building in mind. The one on the south side of the dress shop next to the White Rose.” He explained. “So, I guess I’ll need to know if it’s a rental property or one that’s for sale, I can go either way.”
Which was true, though he was hoping that it was for sale as it actually appeared to fulfill all of his needs. At least for the foreseeable future. Not too large, not to small, which of course, was perfect as he did not foresee the need for a large number of employees, perhaps a secretary, male or female, it mattered not. Perhaps, some desk space, of that he could not be sure until he got under way.
Always take the long view.
Luke went over to the large ledgers that were kept on desk behind the front counter. He opened up the one that contained the information on properties owned by the bank. He quickly wrote down the relevant information on his pad and took it back to the counter.
"You're in luck, Marshal. The property you want is available for rent and it is for sale. If you want to rent it, I can help you with that but if you're looking to buy, as I said you will have to speak to Mr. Croft."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
“Well now, that’s positive news, having a choice.” Speed remarked with a smile. “Being authorized by my company, I believe I will be most interested in buying the building, and presumably, the property it sits on.”
Of course Speed had taken into account that the town may hold claim to the property, but it never hurts to address one’s intentions outright. He smiled at the notion he was about to be the owner of at least a building, possibly the property which, by all accounts, meant he was setting down roots. Owning a piece of Kalispell. “So, I suppose then, it’s the boss I need to see. Thank you, Luke.”