Yankton

Chapter 52

Chapter 52 Lucrative Endeavors

The next day was strictly business, my sister gave me a list of people that had called me two which I called immediately, the first being Randall Overton, the man I had sent the fired rifle casings to. You could have knocked me over with a feather after he gave me the news.

"I'm so glad you called back Mr. Yankton," he said.

"I examined every one of those casings, and in fact sent them to a friend of mine who works for the state police. That rifle was at, and used at the Little Bighorn, there is absolutely no doubt about it. May I ask where and how you acquired it?" Well I certainly wasn't going to tell him that, at least not the truth anyway.

"One of my mother's friends parents died within days of each other, when they went to clean out the house the rifle was discovered in the back of an unused upstairs closet. My mother's friend never even knew her father even had it; there were some others in the closet as well. Anyway, she told my mom who put her friend in touch with me, I paid her a fair price for the small collection, when I looked the carbine over, something told me to have it checked, you know the rest. What do you think its worth?"

"Well," said Mr. Overton, the fact that it was captured by the Indians may or may not detract from the value, however, it could sell at auction for between $100,000 to $150.000, but that's on the low end, you sir have a real treasure on your hands. If you're interested, I can put you in touch with a couple collectors."

"E-mail me their names and addresses," I replied, I have to think about this."

"I don't blame you," replied Overton, "Stay in touch, let me know what you decide to do.

I will forward you official documentation, as to my findings."

Retrieving the carbine from my gun safe at the end of the old mine tunnel, I astounded everyone with the story I had just been told, everyone from 1877 refused to believe an old Indian gun could ever be worth that much. I had to carefully explain to them how rare known specimens were.

"With the exception of three revolvers, all the rifles the army used were taken by the Indians, the ones used by Reno and Benteen were used by the army for years to come, someone might even have one in their collection and not even realize it."

I then returned a call from Walt Spears, who wanted to know if I had anything of interest,

"Couple Henry's, a decent Sharps, some 1873's, and the usual handguns. I've also got a small assortment of Indian artifacts as well." I mentioned that I was interested in an 1890 Winchester .22 LR.

"I think I can pick one up for you," stated Spears,

"That's the one they call the Arcade rifle?"

"Yeah, pump action," I replied.

We talked a little longer with Spears promising to stop by in a couple days and buy anything he liked, or thought he could re-sell. After Spears had his pick of things, I planned to sell anything left to the antique dealer in Lead. Melinda then announced that she was taking Melonie, Montana, and Annie over to Rapid City to find them some fashionable dresses for the dinner date Mark and I were taking them on later this evening. Between my sister, Mark and I, Montana, and Melonie had been worn down enough so that they finally gave in over the wearing of modern clothing.

"Just find them something they will feel comfortable wearing, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg," I told her.

"I've got a lot of stuff to order on the internet mostly clothes for the kids, ammo, and some other things. I'm going to stop and see Alex and drop off some of these other things for him to sell." It was just Jake and I, Mark needed to work up a medical quiz for Melonie, Craig, had things to do as well.

By now, Jake was comfortable riding in my truck, vehicles coming at us in the other lane didn't bother him anymore, he now used the time to bombard me with questions dealing with the passing scene, and the technique of driving. Alex Stapleton owned an auction house in Lead, dealing in antique furniture, guns, and related western artifacts. I brought in an assortment of items, including the Sickles saddle, a Sioux Indian beaded pouch, a folding map dated 1846, a leather holster with a model 73 Colt, and two empty holsters. Alex never asked me where I picked my "finds" up at, although I suspected he really wanted to. While we were talking, Jake browsed around the store examining what were now antiques and artifacts, but to him were everyday items. Alex spotted him holding a metal device in his hand, and called out.

"I've had that thing in this shop going on four years now, nobody can figure out what it's for, seems to be some sort of bracket. Judging from those holes, on the bottom it looks like it used to mount on something, but I'll be damned if I know what it's for." Without even turning to look at Alex, Jake casually replied,

"It's made to hold a wagon's harness reins if you're sitting on an incline." Alex looked at me, but all I did was shrug.

"I thought that's why wagons had brakes?" Replied Alex.

"They don't always work, or are worn out, but even if you've got a good set, keeping those reins tight keeps your team steady." Alex was so impressed, he had Jake draw him a diagram of how the iron device worked, and mounted on the wagon,

"How come I've never seen more of these? Asked Alex, "Considering how many wagons there were back in the day."

"Folks usually went to a smith to have one made," was Jakes reply, "A smith might charge you two dollars to make one, but if your team got too rowdy a good jerk would snap them off or cause the top part to break off." By now Alex was in awe of Jake's knowledge of such a simple but obscure item.

"How is it you know about that thing but nobody else has ever been able to identify it," replied Alex.

"Guess they never handled a team," was Jake's dry response. By now his attention had centered on a medium sized cabinet containing a large compartment a slide out shelf, and countertop. Racks holding metal canisters for coffee sugar, salt and flour.

"That's called a Hoosier cabinet," said Alex, "Kind of a mini kitchen, it holds all your ingredients, plus it offers you a place to prepare food, or baked goods."

Jake was absolutely fascinated with it, carefully examining every part of it.

"How much do these usually sell for asked Jake.

"I'm selling that one for around two hundred because it's not that big, but I've seen them go upwards of four hundred dollars, are you interested in buying it?" Jake looked at Alex and grinned. Before I knew it we were carrying the cabinet out to my truck Alex knocking off fifty dollars just because Jake solved the mystery of the "what sit!" As for the rest, I agreed that he could simply take payment from the proceeds of the things I brought in.

On the way home, I asked Jake,

"What are you going to do with that cabinet?"

"Something like that would be just the item for prospectors to place in their cabins. It will offer them an excellent place to store their cooking supplies, as well as a place to prepare their daily fare. I've long been considering something to make that would benefit the miners. It's small in size, and can easily be moved around in a wagon. I plan to build one that can be torn down so it could be transported in a mule."

"I take it then that you want to open a woodshop?" I asked.

"I've always had a hankerin' to create things," came his reply,

Awhile back, Melinda had ordered DVD's of "The Wood Wright's Shop," and "The Woodsmith Shop," which Jake would watch whenever he was here in the future. He especially liked "The Wood Wright's Shop," because the guy made everything using only pre-industrial hand tools. He liked the other shows as well, however, they used modern power tools which Jake found fascinating, but I think they frightened him, as I was always pointing out how easy it was to cut off a finger or hand.

He also mentioned that he and Craig had been talking about building a small shop, where he could set up, and build to his heart's delight.

Melinda was back, with the three women looking fabulous, Annie was now wearing her hair short and somewhat "spiky" like my sister. Melonie and Montana were also sporting fresh hairstyles, as well as make-over's, along with Annie.

Both Mark and I raved about their looks, Montana was a little more stoic about it, however Melonie and Annie remained perplexed over their experience at the hair salon, Melonie still trying to shrug off her nineteenth century feelings towards "Painted women." Later, when they dressed in the evening wear Melinda selected for them, I took my sister aside, and laid it on "thick."

"Melinda, any doubts I had in the beginning about you are long gone, take another twenty percent as a raise, you've really got it together." She gave me a brief hug,

"All I asked for was a chance."

"Well you've certainly proved yourself little sister, by the way, how are you coming with Annie?"

"I can't figure her out," replied Melinda.

"Both Montana and Melonie are still a little spooked by things here, Annie is starting to act like Jake, she jumps right into things, and she's starting to ask more intelligent questions, as well as asking me if she can stay here."

"Well I don't have a problem with that," I replied, but she works for Montana, and is fast becoming a favorite, so she's going to be the one to convince." My sister snickered at that one,

"That's another thing she's been asking me,"

"What's that?"

"Pretty embarrassing stuff really, even by my standards, questions about how guys f**k these days, do they leave their clothes on, s**t like that." It was my turn to snicker,

"Oh well."

"Well she makes no bones about the fact she likes to do it." replied Melinda.

We drove over to Rapid City where we had made room reservations at one of the more expensive hotels taking rooms equipped with small Jacuzzi tubs. By this time both women were more relaxed about riding in a motor vehicle, and the fact that they had already traveled this way earlier in the day. At the hotel Mark and I changed into our suits before heading over to the restaurant. This was something neither of them had seen before.

"So this is what the well dressed gentleman wears here eh?" Remarked Montana,

"Both of you certainly look quite dashing," added Melonie, "I love it, folks would never guess you two deal out death to highway men and thieves."

Both women were still nervous about appearing in their modern clothes, not helped when I teased Melonie about her ankles and caves showing. Mark chimed in with his comment,

"What will people think when they see you two engaging is such scandalous behavior." But both were smart enough to observe that nobody was paying them any mind, and that there were a couple women in the restaurant wearing shorter dresses than they were.

"Just relax ladies," I said, "You're not wearing anything shocking or outrageous, in fact, Mark and I would like to offer a toast." With that Mark and I toasted them,

"Mark, I'd like to offer a toast to these two very lovely ladies, what would we ever do without them?" Both giggled like school girls putting them back in the proper mood. This was one meal both Mark and I intended to do up right. Both he and I ordered the house specialty, Filet Mignon, with the obligatory Cabernet Sauvignon. Mel ordered the Salmon with the honey chipotle, and apricot glaze, along with an Austrian Chardonnay. Montana went with the chicken and picatta sauce, and Pinot Noir.

We had to coax the women to try what they deemed "exotic" fare, but as Mark announced,

"You ladies are eating food that the robber barons, and railroad tycoons could only dream about, the freshness and quality is miles above anything the rich could ever hope for back in 1877." Both ended up enjoying the meal immensely, Melonie commenting quite favorably on her Salmon, and Montana wondering how hard it would be to prepare something like the chicken she was eating back in Purgatory.

"Not very easy," I replied. "The oven they cooked your chicken in is gas, a lot more control over the heat. Ingredients, and the cooking skill to prepare it properly, this is way above Sockie, or even Annie's skills." We then talked about the big night the rest of the gang was having. From what I heard, it sounded like a little gambling, a little drinking, and a good meal at one of the better restaurants in Deadwood. Melinda was warned to keep things under control as we didn't want the cops looking for a reason to check Annie or Jake for proper ID.

Eventually our conversation turned to the discussion of Purgatory, and how the rest of the planned buildings would be financed.

"Mark and I have talked some more about working for Mr. O'Rourke," said Melonie, "Perhaps one more job might be in order." I grimaced, and shook my head,

"Sorry Mel, Mark's all finished with O'Rourke; this business of one last job is a sure way for something bad to happen. It's like counting down the number of days you have left of your tour, or one last patrol, strictly bad luck." Mark was in complete agreement, which caused Mel's eyes to sparkle.

"I'm looking at one or two more," I replied, "I'll take Colin with me, he worked out pretty good the last time, but I've been thinking about something that might make things just a little safer, but I have to pick up another map before I make my decision."

At one point, Melonie needed to use the rest room, but wasn't sure where it was, so Mark accompanied her towards the front. Montana wasn't saying anything, so to break the silence, I asked,

"Happy?" Montana looked at me and smiled.

"Oh yes, very much so. I prey to god every day for bringing you to me, had that not happened, there is no telling where I would be right now. This is why I worry so much when you're off on one of O'Rourke's trips." I reached over and gently squeezed her hand,

"I know you and Mel hate it when Mark and I are gone, and I'm not offering any excuses, but considering the men we find ourselves up against, there is simply no contest. Now Indians that might be a little different, with the exception of mortars, and rockets, the Taliban fight a lot like Indians you really have to keep your wits about you. I know you don't like to talk about it, nor does Mel, but I'm going to insist that you two watch a couple movies I can get from Netflix. We'll all watch them together, they won't be a defense for what we do, but they just might give you a better idea of why night vision devices, modern semi, and automatic weapons and long range optics will trump nineteenth century weaponry every time."

Everyone enjoyed the meal immensely, then it was back to the hotel, where we all said goodnight before retiring to our rooms. Without getting overly descriptive, I think I made Montana the happiest she's ever been in her life. The Jacuzzi was something she knew nothing about at first, but we certainly made it the main attraction in our love making.

During one of our "breaks," I asked Montana,

"Does this mean you're becoming more comfortable with the twenty-first century?"

"If I say yes, will that mean you will expect me to come and live in your time?" she replied.

"No, simply because there is so much you still don't know about it Abbie. You remember I told you once that although we enjoy all these wonderful inventions and way of life?"

"Yes,"

"Well there are a lot of trade-off's that go along with that. Believe me; I could rattle off a whole litany of modern horrors that would scare the bejesus out of you. The massive loss of freedoms you take for granted in 1877, social behaviors that I guarantee would leave your head spinning. But I'm not going to do that."

"Why not?" She replied,

"I'm afraid it would change you, and I fear, not for the better, believe me Abbie, Mark, Greg and I find your time so much more relaxing, even with all its inherent dangers." Montana guffawed,

"Does that include all these killings you two commit and get away with?"

"Well, there is that, but that's not the real reason," I replied.

"Perhaps it was at first, but lately these things are starting to bother me, I don't go out of my way to pick a fight, you know that, but I won't back down either."

"Well if it's all the same to you," she added, "I prefer to "visit" from time to time. I tend to agree with Melonie that we were destined to live in our own time, and that coming here, we are seeing things we were never supposed to see."