Page 92 of Repentance and Absolution

We were right about the wolves. They were gone, and they didn’t come back.

We continued to be cautious, because there were other predators about, but we didn’t have any problems after that. February ended and March went by, and before we knew it, t’was early April and the snow was almost all melted. T’was boggy in places, but we figured we could get started on building up the rest of the house soon. Irene and Clarence offered to take us to town in their wagon so’s we could get our supplies back home, and we accepted.

T’was nice to go all together in the wagon. Clarence and I chatted about the weather and how plentiful the hunting was, and Oscar and Irene sat in the wagon box, giggling and conspiring.

They let the two of us off at Jensen’s so we could see Carson and Tim and discuss our plans for the homestead. Clarence and Irene continued on to do some errands and promised to meet us at the general store in an hour or so.

T’was early afternoon, so the saloon was almost empty. Carson saw us as soon as we walked inside.

“Hello! I wondered when you two would make an appearance.” His smile was warm and genuine, and I felt grateful again for the hospitality we’d found in this place.

“Carson, how are you?” I asked.

Oscar tipped his hat in greeting.

“I’m just fine,” he said. “Glad the snow’s gone. It’s a lot prettier out where you folks live. Here in town, it just mostly makes a mess.”

I laughed.

“What can I get you?”

“I’ll have a beer. Oscar?”

“Sure, that sounds good.”

“Is Tim around? We wanted to see when you’d both be available to get started on building up again.”

Carson nodded. “I’ll get him.”

“Thank you.”

Tim came back with Carson in a moment, and Carson went to pull our pints.

“Oscar, Jimmy, good to see you. How did you weather your first winter in Port Essington?”

“Well, except for dealing with some wolves and a bear, we did all right.”

“Good God,” Tim exclaimed.

We told him about Clarence’s encounter with the bear and about the wolf pack.

“I’m glad to live in town, and that’s a fact. Glad everyone’s safe and sound,” he said.

“I reckon I’d like to spend the next winter in a bigger place, though,” I said wryly, and he laughed.

“I reckon so. When did you want to get started?”

I glanced at Oscar who shrugged, but I said, “I guess, as soon as ’tis convenient for you two?”

Tim nodded. “I’m busy this week, but next week I’ll have time to sit down with you to plan out what we’re gonna do, and we can get started the following week. How does that sound?”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you.”

By the time we’d finished our beers, t’was time to meet Clarence and Irene at the general store, so we took our leave.

The wagon was hitched up outside the store, and Clarence and Irene were inside putting things on the counter and getting their purchases put together. We waited for them to finish then put our own orders in. Oscar and Irene argued about which candy was the best, and Oscar bought a bag full. But he asked for another paper bag and divided his candy up, giving half of it to Irene.

“Oh, Oscar, I can’t accept this!”