His father’s attempt to change his mind had had no effect, and Bailey had eventually become a conductor. Ironically, it wasn’t his position as conductor making a difference during the Red Cliff Special ordeal. It was through his ability as a telegrapher. His father had been right. If he died during this ordeal, what good would the increased salary and position be?
He knew the small town of Higbee had been unable to locate a replacement telegrapher. Making a fist, he tapped the window once as if confirming his decision. When he got out of this situation, if he got out, he intended to go back to his old job as telegrapher for the town of Higbee.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Wrapped tightly in several blankets, Smoke was the first to awaken, and when he opened his eyes, he saw the old mountain man standing in front of him. The butt of his Hawkens was on the ground before him, and his hands were crossed and resting on the muzzle. His head, covered with a coonskin cap, was tilted to one side, and he was smiling down at Smoke. “I wondered when you were going to wake up.”
“I thought you were gone,” Smoke mumbled as he stretched.
“You didn’t think I would bring you this far, then not let you finish the job, did you?”
“You’ve brought us to the train, now what? There’s no way down to it.”
“I’ll show you the way.”
“There
“Wake up Duff, and follow me,” the old mountain man said.
“Duff, wake up.” Smoke gave his friend a poke, then threw off his blankets to start the morning.
Duff opened his eyes, but didn’t move a muscle, staying snug in his blankets.
“Come on, we’re going down to the train.”
“How?”
“Just trust me.”
“I’m with you.” Duff stretched, then climbed out of the blankets and stomped his feet. “Whew. Didn’t get any warmer overnight, did it?” He made a few quick jumps to get the blood flowing and picked up the leader to the sled. “Where are we going?”
“That’s a good question,” Smoke said. “Where are we going?”
“Don’t worry about where we are going. In all the years you have known me, have I ever steered you wrong?” the mountain man replied.
“What do you mean, where are we going?” Duff asked. “Don’t you know? You’re in front of me. Sure, lad, and I’ll be going where you go.”
“I wasn’t asking you,” Smoke muttered.
“Well, who were you asking? There’s nobody else here, but the two of us.”
“I . . . I guess was just talking to myself.”
Duff chuckled. “Don’t talk to yourself like that. It makes me nervous to think I’m wandering around out here in the mountains with a man who has suddenly gone mad.”
Smoke laughed as well. “What makes you think I suddenly went mad? If you ask Sally, she’ll tell you I’ve been crazy from the moment she first met me.”
“Ha!” the old mountain man put in. “You were crazy long before you ever met Sally.”
“You haven’t changed, have you?” Smoke said. “You are as cantankerous now as you ever were.”
“Cantankerous am I?” Duff questioned.
“No, not you. I’m not talking about you.”
“Oh, I see. You’re talking to your invisible friend, are you?”
Smoke chuckled. “I guess I am.”
“Oh, Jarred,” Millie said, her voice choked by sobs. “I can’t wake Becky up.”
“Becky! Becky! Wake up, child! Wake up!” Senator Daniels called.
“Oh! Jarred! Is she . . . Is she . . . ?” Millie couldn’t finish the question.
“I . . . I don’t know.” Senator Daniels pinched his nose. “Oh, Millie, it’s my fault, it’s all my fault. I’m sorry. You were right. We should have stayed in Pueblo and taken her to a doctor. It’s all my fault, I got us into this mess.”
“It’s not your fault,” Millie said. “You had no way of knowing anything like this was going to happen. If it had been a normal train trip, we would have been to Red Cliff long before now, and a doctor would have seen her.”
Senator Daniels knelt on the floor beside Becky, then leaned over to kiss her on her forehead. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
Senator Daniels stood up. It was morning, and the sun was streaming into the car. Those who had slept fitfully through the night were awakening. Some had overheard Daniels and his wife and were looking toward them with concern.
“Could I have your attention, please?” Jarred called. “I want to make a public confession and a public apology. I have been, well, there is no other way to say it, but to just come out and say it. I have been a jerk on this trip. No, not just on this trip. I have been a self-centered, arrogant jerk for some time.” He looked down at his daughter for a moment, trying to compose himself. “And now my daughter is dying . . . if she hasn’t already . . .” He couldn’t force himself to say the word
“But as it turns out, it wasn’t really all that important after all. It was important only as far as my political career is concerned. The fact that I missed the speech is of no consequence to anyone.
“I want to apologize to everyone in this car.” Senator Daniels looked over toward the porters. “And I especially want to apologize to you three gentlemen. My actions and comments toward you have been bigoted and small-minded, and I am heartily sorry. I ask your forgiveness, and from all of you, I ask your prayers for my daughter.”
“Senator, I been prayin’ for your little girl from the first I learned she was sick,” Troy said.
“Thank you, Troy.” Senator Daniels lowered his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “And I thank the rest of you for giving me a moment of your time to let me make this public apology.”
“Senator, I would say the speech you just made is a hundred times more important than any speech you would have given at that dinner in Red Cliff,” Matt said.
