The more questions that were raised, the more curious Emeline became about the process of training the homing pigeons, and even if they didn't go through with it, she was determined to find out what she could.

"A coop to start!"  She nodded.  "Agreed!  But, of course, only when you have time."  She didn't want to be responsible for any of the men getting into trouble.  "I'll think on a good place for it, likely near the barn.  Alice is going to look into training, or where we can even find the right birds.  It'll be some time."

Standing, she reached for Wheeler.  "I'll take the little one back now, I need to get home and start supper so Barnabas isn't neglected."  She knew, of course, that in a pinch, he could come here to the bunkhouse and eat with the boys, or Cookie would send something over, but she preferred avoid that option.

"I'm grateful for your assistance, and Danny, I just might recruit you to babysit now and then.  Wheeler is going to have to learn to rope from someone!  And enjoy those cinnamon rolls, there's more where those came from!"

"Of course."  Emeline watched as Danny moved off, thinking that Wheeler had a good resource in any of the men here, should that ever be needed.  "We're real lucky," she told the baby, "we have the best papa in the world, and a great crew who really cares about us."

She opened the door and let Natty in ahead of them.  "Let's see what we'll make for Papa for his supper."  The aroma of the cinnamon rolls still scented the air, so at least dessert would be good!  "How about steaks and twice baked potatoes?"

Wheeler cooed in response, content to be settled in his cradle as his mama started cooking dinner.

Pronto rode into the yard and stepped down, looking around. The usual things were going on, there were also some of the men in the corral getting the kinks out of some of the remuda that they would be using, aside from their own mounts. He led the Roan to the barn, where he would strip off the saddle and bridle once he was in his stall, and then brush him down before giving him a ration of oats'

Once that was done, he stripped off his chaps and his spurs, and then headed to the house. He could smell dinner cooking, and that made him smile as he opened the door and stepped inside."Good news, woman, we are the proud owners of the former brewery, and future home of the Kalispell Fire Brigade!"

Before he had even made it into the barn, Emeline knew that Barnabas was back, because Natty started dancing happily and wagging his tail madly as he danced in front of the door, whining softly.  When it opened, the dog's eager dance continued, although he knew better than to jump up.

"Good news, woman, we are the proud owners of the former brewery, and future home of the Kalispell Fire Brigade!"

Wiping her hands on her apron, Emeline ran to greet him, jumping into his arms, since she didn't have the same rules that the dog did!  "Really?  That's great!  Now all we need is a pumper...or, well, some buckets and volunteers!" 

She kissed him on the cheek, then started back toward the kitchen.  "Supper is ready when you are, I just need to put the steaks on."  She kissed his cheek.  "Then you can fill me in on all the gossip from town!"

"Gossip? ain't heard any,  but them I was just doing business at the bank, but Charles did say there were folks interested in the properties that were empty in town, I have a list and took time to have a look. He said they were waiting on the railroad." He explained, taking out the list and the bank receipt for the brewery building.

"Most looked okay, probably would need some work, most will, including the brewery building." He went on to say, "Just thinking about buying some property in town while the prices are low. Might be a good investment, I doubt town's going anywhere anytime soon." Which was a reasonable assumption.

"Oh, so now we're to be land barons?"  Emeline chuckled before continuing.  "I suppose there's no harm in buying properties that can later be sold, so long as Kalispell stays on the map."  She grinned.  "And once the railroad is confirmed, Elias Steelegrave will have steam coming out his ears!"  That alone would be worth the price of any property the bought up!

"Now, go clean up and I'll get the steaks on, then we can discuss the specifics over supper."

"Land Barons? Well, once the word comes in that the railroad is on the way, land will skyrocket. If we were to invest in our town, which is what I believe I have already done with the Brewery building, then rents won't have to be so high, folks can't make a living, and that is what I see happening should Elias decide to buy up everything in town, that is what will happen." Barnabas stated firmly, as he knew it would be true.

"And there will be land speculators coming ahead of the railroad to snap up what they can. Starting now? Probably a good move on our part. We have the money to do it. Cattle are fine, and I'm claiming another fifteen hundred acres to the east of us, but owning property in and around town will be our legacy for our children, along with the ranch. Just planning for the future, but this thing is a we deal, it is you and I. So it's something to think on."

"Oh, I agree we can do a good deal of good for the town," Emeline agreed as she started to dish potatoes onto plates.  "Maybe Speed might be interested as well?"  They could form a coalition or something, the men would know more about that.  "At least hold onto some properties to later sell to people who want something good for the town."

Either way, Elias was going to be livid, and although it wasn't Christian of her, she found great satisfaction in that. 

The steaks, doused in butter and a bit of garlic went on the plates next before she set them on the table.  "So, now, what are your ideas on this?  Setting up some of our own businesses?"  She grinned.  "Are you wanting to be a brewmeister now, too?"  Of course, if they established businesses, they could hire someone to run them.  Still, it was a bit daunting.