lookingland

RECONSTRUCTION: an illustrated historical web serial

EPISODE THREE <~

Unwanted Things ~ Lewis makes good on his promise to apologize to the Kirkwoods, Amy's squabble with her aunts escalates, and James and Emmaline face the good people of Faigerston to announce that they're shutting down the camp's most important source of revenue.

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Excerpt:

"We've got work at the mill," said one of the jacks. "The money's good, but we got loyalties to Mr. Greerson. And we're looking to start cutting soon. We can't just drop everything."

Mr. Greerson, who was the owner of the eastern mill and who didn't get up to look at the plans, shuffled nervously.

"Yes, I spoke with Mr. Greerson," James said, glancing over to him. "And Mr. Hanover's proxy since Hanover's been dead these last twelve years. Greerson has agreed to shut down his mill and logging operation so that you boys can take advantage of this opportunity."

A noisy chatter broke out. "Shut down the mill?" the bunkhouse Cookie accosted Greerson hotly. "We ain't shut down the operation in 15 years, Greerson. What's going on?"

"Like he said, boys," Greerson offered apologetically. "This is just too good work to pass up. I can't pay you near that wage. You should take the offer."

"What's the catch?" master carpenter Hodgekiss asked.

All eyes turned to James suddenly. The voices died down.

"Is this for real?" Ken asked. "Judge Osgood, is he on the level?"

"I assure you that he is," Judge Osgood said. He had been patiently silent this whole time.

"Something about this stinks to me," Arnie from the harness shop then said.

"Shut up! Think of the money we'll make!" said another man.

"If you'll all simmer down there's more to tell," Mental called for order.

"There is a catch!" came the worried voices.

Mr. Greerson stood and came forward. "Boys, I don't know how else to tell you this except straight up. I'm not the owner of Greerson's Logging Company anymore. Mr. James Hunter is."