"Don't mind if I do. And yes Colonel, it will be a nice ride back to town knowing that Kalispell has some support in the event it's needed. Now I wouldn't say that Steelgrave is a fool, hardly. He wouldn't be where he is if he was. What I will say is he is determined, now does that mean he will punish the community over whatever grievance he has, I don't know.

"I guess we'll all find that out together." Speed said with a bit of a smile. "Hopefully there's no real problems, but, one can only guess at this juncture."

Thank you Colonel, folks'll rest a bit easier, and maybe there'll be no trouble, then again," Speed stood. "Best I get back. Been a real pleasure, Sir, I'll let you know what I find out on the Town Council is finished with the paperwork and the deal s settled and done. Though no one will be more anxious to have it settled than Miss Steelgrave herself.."

He stepped back toward the door and said, "I'll be talking to you soon."

"Thanks Colonel, hope we won't need your help, I know you have other priorities." And with that Speed left the office and walked out to the parade ground where his horse was hitched. The sight of all that blue in drill brought back a lot of memories, some good some bad.

He stepped into leather wheeled his horse and rode out of the gate, It would be good to get back to town. He had things to do.

Back in Kalispell it was time to tend to his own business, the business of Amos Alice and his. The Copper Queen. The Raven would have to wait as they needed to get the Queen into production. That meant he would have leave young Charlie Wentworth in charge, and he had no doubt about the young mans ability to do the job.

Speed would need to get out to the mine and really take stock of what they needed so work could get started. A mine that was not producing was useless. And with the price of copper, well, a fallow mine was costing them money, a lot of money, and that just wouldn't do.

First he needed to round up his partners and they make a plan which included a trip up to the Queen. So he stopped in at the Wood and Guyer office in the hopes that they would still be there. Unfortunately they were not. So over to the Municipal Building, but they were not there either. Checking the back office, he found both McNue and Cook engaged in a game of checkers.

He walked in with a smile. "You boys look busy. Talked the the C.O. at the fort. Probably be a regular patrol once the hospital construction starts."

"That is good news. Having the Army in town will make a difference, or it should" John Cook stated. "Not sure too many desperadoes would want to tangle with the Army. But I've been wrong before. And it's not likely the patrols will be all that regular, depending of course, on whatever else they have on their hands."

"Knowin' that the Army's around, plus local law, and use, plus them bodyguards, might have 'em fight shy of doin' anything stupid." McNue added.

"Well that's what I hoping." Speed said. "There's no guarantees in this thing, not with Elias and Case out there. I mean I'd think that seeing what they were up against, well they might give us a wide berth. Then again, who knows."

"You don't think the woman's in danger do ya?" McNue asked.

"I don't know, I'd like to think she's safe, but then why does she have three hard cases watching over her. They make the towns folk some nervous, but have never cause any trouble." Speed explained.

"Well then, what's your plans?" Cook asked.

"Round up Alice and her dad, head up to the mine, that is as soon as I find 'em." Speed replied.

"Good luck with that." McNue added.

"See you gents later." Was Speeds parting word and with them he walked out and stood foe a moment on the boardwalk.

Coming out of the Municipal Building Speed ran into Amos and Alice. "Thought we'd head up to the mine and make a list of what we're going to need, what repairs are needed, if any. I mean we need to get started on this, and I need to get the circulars printed for miners and other help we'll be needing." he said.

"Ain't no problem there, Speed. I agree we should oughtta get to it, quick like and get the ore comin' out, an' the cash comin' in!" Amos stated.

Alice looked at her father. "A good idea, but that cash coming in is going to pay for mining equipment and salaries before Speed goes broke doing all the paying."

"True, some of the equipment will need upgrading, and some may need repairs. There's also the buildings and their needs. Roofs, windows, doors, that sort of thing. Maybe even some furniture, I didn't see much last time we were there, but then I wasn't looking for it either." Speed explained as they walked to their horses. "It's the Raven that bothers me. It's farther out, wasn't it on the west side of the Lost Lake?"

"It is." Amos stated, "But she's actually a easy ride, maybe a couple hours gettin' there. Couple hours back, depends on the time we're there how much of the day is used up. But, well, next, maybe I'll ride on back and bring ya a report as ta whotcha got."

"Not a bad idea, not a bad one at all. We need to assess both for need, no sense it jest sitting there. Speed agreed. Lets get a handle on the Queen, then if you're still up for it, the Raven. Knowing what we need there will be real helpful as we account for expense. Then, we go see Wentworth at the bank. Better to use their money, rather than ours to start with."

"Yes, that is a good plan, and having the facts on paper for him will be a great help." Alice chimed in.

"Won't it though." Speed added.

Before he could leave for the mine, he had to locate his lone deputy, Charlie Wentworth who all but met him at the door of the Municipal Building. "Charlie, I got to ride up to my copper mine above the Evergreen. I will be away most of the day, but not to worry, Cook and McNue are in the County Sheriff's office, playing checkers. Now, there shouldn't be any problems while I'm gone, and I could be back earlier than I plan."

"Keep your eyes pealed for anything out of the ordinary, and don't hesitate to use those two, if need be." Speed said. "Then you take tomorrow off. I'll handle the Council meeting. "

Charlie was a bit perplexed as to why the marshall had the need to go up to his mine at such short notice. It had been a while since the man had need to but then again, who was he to question what the marshall did in his spare time. All he could do was nod and answer, "Sure."

Since, he was still relatively new to the job of being a deputy, he was grateful that Guyer mentioned that there was help if he needed it. Charlie didn't think that there would be much trouble. If there was anything it would be minor and he would be able to handle it himself.

Not knowing what else he could say, Charlie looked around briefly. "I guess I should be going on inside and finish up that paperwork before I take another trip around town. See you when you get back."