Gregory arrived in Oswego on the second afternoon after he left the farm. The town was bustling with summer activity. He went directly to the mercantile where they did most of their trading.
“Young, how are things out on the Verdigris?” Thomas Buntain, the owner, asked, looking up from his work and extending his hand in greeting. Not as muscular as the farmers he served, stacking and stocking freight helped develop his brawny body and strong grip.
“We’re a bit low on moisture this year, which I see most of the area is, but we’ve got bigger problems than the weather right now.”
“What brings you to town?”
“Officers of the Leavenworth, Lawrence, and Galveston Railroad have been through surveying for the railroad, and they plan on building it right through our claims. Right through our hou
