Epilogue
The next day I took him to the Indian trading post and introduced Joseph to Mr. Gresham. My mentor pulled out a box holding the pieces of Joseph’s work I’d sent weeks ago. The trader talked to him for a long time, asking questions about the process he used. I knew from experience, he was getting a measure of the kind of man Joseph was. I heard some of the same questions he’d asked me years ago about dependability and dedication. When I left them to go run errands, the discussion had progressed to the point where Joseph had a check in his pocket, and they were discussing the pieces Mr. Gresham would like to have over the next three months. My third task was finished.
* * * *
At noon, I parked the rental car at the Cooperage and went inside to accomplish the last of my chores.
