| Subject: The New World - Part #64 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 20:58:06 07/11/03 Fri
PART #64
Bow looked at one of the men who appeared to be the leader; and said, “Are you not aware that Joshua Sallier was murdered a few weeks ago?” “Is that true?” asked one of the men. “Yes, it is true,” answered Bow. “We are trying to get the saw mill up, and running once again.” “You can pay us what is owed to us then,” said one of the men.” Bow said, “Now wait a minute, I have nothing to do with what Joshua Sallier owed you. That is no business of mine. The saw mill has a new owner. What happened between you and Joshua Sallier has nothing to do with me.”
George was visably pale by this time. He had never been in a situation where a group of ruffians were standing around him in a circle threatening his life with a gun. Suddenly there was a sound of a gun, and all the men whirled around to look for the person who had fired the gun. The men could see no one, but recognized the gun shot came from someone inside the saw mill office. Bow quickly grabbed one of the guns from the hand of one of the men who had turned to look.
He said, “Look, I am sorry you have not been paid by the former owner, but this has nothing to do with me. I want you off this property right now. I hope you realize there are other people here with guns, and you are outnumbered.” The one who seemed to be the leader growled, “We’ll leave this time, but you are not finished with us. We will get our money one way or another.” Bow responded, “You do realize I will be calling the sheriff regarding this matter, don’t you? I have a good memory, and I will remember each one of you when I talk to the sheriff.”
The men got back on their horses, and rode away. George reached for his handkerchief, pulled it from his pocket, mopped his brow, and said, “I do believe I need to sit down for a few moments.” He walked back toward the office, opened the door, and saw Marguerite standing there with a gun in her hand. “Marguerite, was that you who fired the gun?” he asked. She said, “Yes George, it was me. Bow left his rifle here when he helped load the office furniture into the carriage. It’s a good thing he did leave it, for it did help to frighten the men away.”
George leaned against the wall of the office and said, “I’m not sure I am ready for this type of life.” Bow entered the room, and overheard George’s comment. He said, “George, you are all right. Not a hair was touched on your head. Marguerite, our expert at firing a gun, could have shot each one of those men with that Spencer repeating rifle if she had a mind to do so.”
George had gained a whole new respect for Marguerite. He had never seen a woman like this before. He could easily see why Catherine had said, “Marguerite had helped to save lives at the plantation.” He knew he certainly didn’t want to be on the other end of the gun she was holding, and pointing in his direction. Bow was watching George, and wondering what was going through his thoughts.
George said, “Bow, I wonder if those people driving up in the carriage outside are the ones coming to look at the equipment.” Bow looked out the window; and said, “Yes, I believe they are the ones.” George grinned; and said, “I hope you don’t mind if I stay inside this time.” Bow laughed; and said, “It might be safer for you. But, I could be wrong, it might not be safer. If I were you, I wouldn’t give Marguerite any reason to shoot you.”
When Bow went out to walk around the equipment with the men who had come to check it out, George said to Marguerite, “How did you learn to handle a gun so well?” Marguerite answered, “I had six brothers who were crack shots, and I didn’t want them to outdo me, so I learned to handle a gun too. I guess I took to it pretty well. I can shoot as accurately as anyone of my brothers can shoot.” George laughed, “Somehow, I don’t have any problem believing that.”
When Bow finished with the men, he came back to the office; and said, “Our business is complete. I think we can go back to the plantation now.” On the ride back, Bow said, “We have some updating to do, and with a little luck we can be back in operation in a week or two.” George asked, “Have you found enough men to work the saw mill?” Bow said, “I could use two or three more if I could find them.” George said, “Marguerite, didn’t you say your father had managed a saw mill?” She said, “Yes, he did some years back.” He looked at Bow; and said, “Bow, it’s certainly none of my business, but I was wondering if Marguerite’s father could step in and manage the saw mill for you.” Marguerite said, “I am not sure he would be interested in doing that again.” Bow asked, “Do you think it would be all right to ask him?” George said, “Excuse me, but I believe Marguerite also said she had brothers who had worked in a saw mill; would they be available?”
Marguerite was watching George work all these details out in his mind. She saw he had a good business sense about him. He was different in his English ways, but he had a good head on his shoulders. She liked that in a man.
To be continued...
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