I'll Always Be Your Father

I'll Always be Your Father

“Come on Rudy, let's go for a walk before the snow starts to fall. Mother will have those pumpkin tarts out of the oven by the time we get back.” said Chris Pringle to his old mutt.

In no time, Rudy was at the door and panting to go out.

“Christopher Pringle!” said his wife, Priscilla, “You know these tarts are for our customers. I expect we will be busy today. I'm glad we added the section devoted to the Thanksgiving merchandise. I sold five of those big roasting pans to some of the young folks who are preparing their first Thanksgiving dinner.”

“Along with the pans, came your advice on the best way to roast a turkey. I can just taste that old bird already. This old bird better get going. That sky is looking very dark.”

Chris Pringle and his wife, Priscilla owned the town's Christmas shop. They had recently added trinkets and cooking items for every holiday. They were well past the age of retirement but enjoyed all the holidays so much that they couldn't bear to give up the shop. They never had children of their own and enjoyed the wonder in the eyes of all the youngsters who entered their store.

Rudy barked quietly as if to say, “Cut the chatter and let's go.”

“Ah Rudy, the first snow of the season. This is my favorite time of year. The trees are still showing off their colors and the north wind is beginning to pick up. I wonder who that is standing over by the lake. I don't recognize him but he looks like he could use a good meal.

To the two legged one, he said, “Hello sir, you must be a stranger in town.”

The man looked up. “Just passing though.” He turned back to the lake.

Chris Pringle was never one to retreat when someone was visiting his town. “Isn't Camden Lake the prettiest you have ever seen? Rudy and I like to come down here and just watch the waves splash against the shore. Are you in town for the holiday? Do you have relatives here? How long will you be staying?”

The man looked up again. “Just passing through.” He looked away again.

Chris had an uneasy feeling. The man didn't look threatening but you never knew these days. They'd had some pretty unsavory characters pass through Camden Corners lately. He'd keep an eye on him. Rudy didn't growl at him and that was reassuring. Rudy could sense when someone was up to no good and let his dislike known.

The old pooch was a good quarter mile ahead of Chris. Chris thought back to the time when he could almost keep pace with Rudy. He was becoming melancholy with the holidays coming up. He thought of Priscilla when they were first married. She always wore a red dress and donned a white apron when they were at home or in the shop. Their love of everything Christmas was what brought them together. Through the years they were disappointed not to be blessed with children but did find solace in all the children who visited their shop even in the warm months of summer. Miss Priscilla always had a cookie to give them and Mr. Pringle's pockets were always filled with peppermint sticks. It had been a good life.

Suddenly, Rudy turned and began running back toward Chris. He was barking and passed him by as he ran to the stranger. Chris turned and saw the man was lying on the ground. He hurried back to see what the problem was and found him to be unconscious.

“Rudy run get Mack from O'Sullivan's. Quickly boy.”

Rudy was on his way. He barked at the door. Mack recognized Rudy's bark. He opened the door. “What is it boy? What's wrong?” Rudy turned and began to run. Mack followed.

“Call Doc,” yelled Chris, “this fellow is out like a light.”

Mack did just that. Doc arrived in the next few minutes. “We need to get this man to the hospital.”

Mack helped get him into Doc's carriage.

Tessa Graham was on duty in the Emergency Ward. The patient was brought in on a stretcher. She helped ease him onto the examining table. He was waking up but not fully aware of his surroundings. Tessa took his vital signs. His blood pressure was high and his pulse was racing. She entered the information on his chart. The name on the chart was John Doe, he was listed as a transient. Tessa was cleaning the sand off him when she heard a faint voice say “Tessa!”

She looked into the man's eyes. “Father? Is that you?”

It had been almost five years since she had seen this man who was her father. “What are you doing in Camden Corners and what in the world has happened to you? You look like you haven't had a decent meal in ages.”

“I don't know. I don't remember. I was looking for you. They told me at the school that you were in Buffalo. I went to Buffalo but you weren't there either. They said you came here to Camden Corners. I had to see you to tell you I love you and always did.”

“Father, you just rest now. You are very sick. We will talk later.”

Tessa was shaking. She couldn't imagine what had happened to her father. When she knew him he was the richest man in the country and now he was lying in a hospital bed looking like he hadn't slept or bathed in a very long time.

“Doctor McMillan, that man is my father. His name is Hamilton Graham. We have been estranged for almost five years.”

“Hamilton Graham? Hamilton Graham is your father Tessa? He is a very wealthy man. Thank you for telling me, Tessa. It may help to explain what happened to him out there by the lake. I'll ask that another nurse be assigned to your father. We will keep you informed of his condition.”

Tessa tried to concentrate on other patients but her mind kept wandering back to her father. Maybe she should call Wendell Plant. The last she knew Wendell was her father's right hand man.

Alex Bentley was meeting Tessa after her shift ended. She told him about her father being admitted. “Let's talk to Oscar Crowley about this. He always knows what to do in this type of situation.”

Oscar greeted the young couple. He was surprised to learn Hamilton Graham had a daughter and more surprised that she was living in Camden Corners. Oscar knew someone who knew someone who was able to get Wendell Plant on the telephone.

“Mr. Crowley, I will be arriving in Camden Corners this afternoon. I trust you will instruct Miss Graham to meet my train.”

“I will gladly ask Miss Graham if she is willing to meet with you sir.” Oscar was not about to have any orders issued to Tessa by this bag of wind.

Tessa couldn't help but laugh. She remembered Wendell Plant. He was a little fellow with a big ego. He was also a yes man to her father. How interesting that he was calling the shots now.

Wendell arrived. He was brusk as expected. “Where is your office Crowley? We need complete privacy.” He glared at Alex.

“I will be joining Miss Graham unless she decides she would rather I didn't.”

Wendell didn't like it but he knew he didn't have a choice.

“Miss Graham, I trust you are aware that your father has disowned you and you have no claim to his fortune.”

“I am aware of that sir. I only want to help a man who is lying in a hospital bed as we speak. He is my flesh and blood no matter what any legal papers state.”

Wendell seemed to calm down after he realized Tessa wasn't after Hamilton's money. He spoke softly and with compassion.

“Mr. Graham's odd behavior began less than one year ago. I first noticed it when he missed an important meeting and instead went to the circus. He returned to the office later that afternoon carrying a balloon of all things. Another time he walked into a very important meeting with a baby doll under his arm. He said the doll was for his little girl, Tessa. He bought a model train and set it up in the conference room. He wouldn't let anyone move it until his daughter saw it. We had to turn a waiting room into an additional conference room. I began to take over meetings. Our clients were told Mr. Graham was on a business trip or even out of the country. This lasted about two months. One day, he got up from his chair and just walked out of his office saying he was going to find Tessa. That was the last we heard from him until your telephone call.”

“You will have to tell the doctors everything you know. I hope you are planning to visit my father. It may help if he sees a familiar face. Before we leave for the hospital, I would like to know what provisions have been made for my father's companies.”

“I am acting president in your father's absence. I have signed documentation to that effect. I hope you aren't planning to dispute your father's intentions. Miss Graham.”

“I have no intention of laying claim to any of my father's businesses. I am aware my father's various companies employ hundreds of people and I will fight the existing will if even one of those people lose their job under your management.”

“Mr. Plant, I believe Miss Graham has made herself clear that she will not interfere with the current arrangement for Mr. Graham's companies. I would advise her to keep her options open. I have no doubt, under the circumstances, Mr. Graham's will would be readily overturned by any judge in the State of New York. However, Mr. Graham's health is of immediate concern. I suggest we leave for the hospital now.”

Wendell Plant was not a greedy man. He simply had given his life to Hamilton Graham Enterprises. He lived in fear Hamilton's estranged daughter would upset his future. Miss Tessa seemed like a nice young lady but money did strange things to people. He should know, he gave up his childhood sweetheart for his position in the organization. Melva inherited her grandparent's farm. She insisted Wendell move back to the country, marry her and raise a family on the farm. He refused and she married Billy Joel Samuels. They now had eight children and the last he heard she was expecting the ninth. It broke his heart whenever he thought of Melva with another man's offspring. However, farming and raising a passel of children was not in the cards for Wendell Plant.

“Mr. Graham. It's very good to see you sir. We have all been very worried about you.”

“Wendell! It's been a while. How are things going at the office? Did you ever hire that secretary you talked about?” Hamilton looked at the others. “Too much work for him. He has to have a secretary.”

Wendell didn't know what Hamilton was talking about. “Mr. Hamilton, I never asked for a secretary and I don't have one.”

“Well, why don't you take mine. I think her name is Marjorie or Margaret. Something like that.”

“But Sir, you will require a secretary when you return to the office.”

“Haven't you heard Wendell? I'm not coming back. I like it here. Have you ever met my daughter? Her name is Tessa. Isn't that a beautiful name?”

“Yes it is a very beautiful name. Maybe we should talk about business when you have rested.”

“I have been resting all afternoon in this uncomfortable bed. It's time to go home Tessa. Will you take me there?”

“Father, you were unconscious just a few hours ago. You must stay here to let the doctors find out why that happened to you. They are finding a room for you now and you will be much more comfortable there.”

“Do they have tapioca pudding? I like tapioca don't I Tessa?”

“I'm sure you do Father. Now if you will just lay back and close your eyes. As soon as your room is ready an orderly will take you to your bed.”

“Will you come with me Tessa? I don't want to be alone.”

“Yes Father, of course I will.”

Alex knew Tessa was a very special person but he was finding out just how special she was. Her father had ignored her all her life and capped it off by disowning her. She had every right to reject him now. Alex put his arm around her.

“This is your young man, isn't it Tessa? I like him. He loves you very much. I can tell.”

“Get some rest now Father. I think we have heard enough of your chatter for now,” Tessa said as her face turned a bright red.

Alex laughed, “He's like a child, isn't he Doc? I have to admit he is very observant. I don't think I'll ever try to pull the wool over his eyes.”

They all left the room as Hamilton closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Doc asked them to step into a small conference room.

“Tessa, if you would like to speak privately, we can ask the others wait to in the other room.”

“No Doc, I don't see any reason for that. I think we are all interested to hear what you have to say about Father.”

“Being a nurse, you know there are many areas of medicine we do not have an answer for. Doctor Tyndall agrees with me that your father may have suffered a head injury. His brain may have been deprived of oxygen for several minutes. As you have most likely surmised, he is in an almost childlike state. My opinion is that he will not return to his former self. We will treat him with medication. He will be able to care for himself in many ways although I wouldn't recommend he live alone. There is a very reputable and comfortable convalescent and nursing facility located in Greensboro. If you would like me to, I can begin the paperwork to have him admitted there.”

“Absolutely not!” cried Tessa. “I will be taking care of my father myself. I will find an apartment I am able to afford and move him in as soon as he is able to leave the hospital.”

Alex interrupted, “Tessa, you can't take care of your father by yourself and work here too. I'm sorry to do this with an audience. I love you and I want you to be my wife. We will find a small house for the three of us.”

“Alex, that is very sweet of you. I cannot accept. We have only known each other for a very short time and I will not burden you with an invalid father-in-law to start off our married life together.”

Oscar spoke up, “Doc, how long will Mr. Graham be hospitalized?”

“Maybe a week or longer.”

“Tessa, you don't have to decide anything this moment. Why not give it some time? I'm sure there is a solution to your dilemma.”

“I'd better start looking for a place to live very soon. I want everything to be ready for Father when I bring him home.”

“Wendell, as you heard, my father's condition is not going to be changing. Please feel free to return to New York and run the company as you see fit.”

“Miss Tessa, I'm sure we will be able to provide support for your father and yourself. I'll have our attorneys get to work on it just as soon as I get back.”

“No, I'm not taking anything from Hamilton Graham Enterprises. My father wouldn't be in the shape he is now if it weren't for the fact that he stressed over that company. I will take care of him myself and that is final.”

Alex accompanied Tessa to Millie's house. She explained to Millie and Addie the situation with her father. “I'm sorry, Miss Millie, I have loved living here but I must find a place for my father.”

“Why would you do that my child? We have plenty of room here.”

“I couldn't ask you to put him up too. He will need to be looked after.”

“Who better to do that than the four of us. He isn't quite our age but I'm sure he will enjoy Leland and Leo's company. I won't hear of you being off on your own. We will fix up one of the rooms on our wing. That way the girls coming and going won't disturb his sleep. Now, go out and enjoy an evening with your beau and don't worry about a thing. By the way, you are doing right by your father and I am very proud to know you Tessa.”

“Alex, do you think Miss Millie will regret taking Father in? I don't know how much of a burden he will be.”

“Tessa, please don't worry. James says Millie is only happy when she has a project and I think your father is her new project. Now, let's go and enjoy the evening. Caroline has asked us to join them for supper. Grace and Ted will be there with Freddy. It will be a full house. I think Todd and Susannah are planning to stop by too.”

“Thank you for your offer today. I'm afraid I was a little abrupt when I turned you down.”

“Just a little, but under the circumstances I understand. Just keep in mind that the next time I ask you to be my wife I expect you to wrap your arms around me give me a big kiss.”

“And what should my answer be?”

“I'll only accept a yes,” he smiled at her. Alex wasn't sure how long he would be able to wait to make her his wife.

Hamilton was released from the hospital. It didn't take too long before he was part of the family. The nurses all took extra special care of him. He was sure nobody had ever had their pulse checked as often as he did. He didn't mind though. He liked having the pretty young ladies hold his hand for just a little while. Leo was teaching him how to drive. Harvey was helping him count out change when he bought his favorite licorice sticks at the general store. He was learning new things every day. The nicest part of the day was when Tessa came home and kissed him on the forehead.

“Tessa, I'll always be your father, won't I?”

“Always, Father, always and forever.”

Hamilton Graham smiled. He had never been happier.

The Silver Chalice

 

The Silver Chalice

Will, Kate, Alma and Melvin were enjoying one of the few remaining summer nights on the porch of the vicarage. It had been an eventful day. Will and Kate had become engaged and were going to be married this coming Saturday. Two orphaned boys were sleeping soundly in the bedroom upstairs. Will was sure it was the first real bed they'd ever slept in.

Kate spoke aloud “I can't help but wonder if somewhere the boys' mothers aren't frantically looking for their children.”

Melvin spoke up “From what little Billy said tonight, I don't believe anyone is looking for them. I am under the impression that the boys are from New York City. New York is a fascinating and exciting city but the poverty is overwhelming. The wealthy have a tendency to believe that if someone can't take care of themselves they deserve the life they live. There are more children like Butch and Billy than we can imagine. Some whose parents have died from industrial accidents, illnesses or the bottle. Some who simply have too many children at home and abandon the older ones because there isn't enough food to feed them all. Many of these children's mothers are mere children themselves. Butch and Billy are both intelligent boys. Most of these youngsters are not as well spoken as either of them. I would guess it is Billy who is the observer and recognizes the proper way of speaking and conducting himself. I believe, in spite of his questionable beginning, he has the promise of a brighter future. Of course, that would be more easily attained if he were to be adopted by the two of you.”

Kate's heart was breaking for all the lost children. She knew she couldn't solve all of their troubles but she was determined to make a difference with the two boys upstairs. She and Will walked to the bedroom and watched them sleeping soundly. Kate pulled the covers up over Butch. She knew Billy considered himself too old for tucking in but she gently patted his head. She thought she saw him smile and hoped he was having a nice dream. A tear rolled down her cheek as Will gave her a hug. He knew he had found his very own angel and she would soon be his wife.

While Butch and Billy were sleeping peacefully, Angus Keefe was frantically searching the passenger car he had been riding in since he left New York City. The train pulled into the station in St. Louis an hour ago. Angus couldn't believe he had lost the chalice. His chalice. After years of hearing about the Mount Keefe Silver Chalice he was finally bringing it to its rightful home. His home, Angus Liam Keefe, direct descendent of Liam Shamus Keefe. The chalice was given to Liam by the artist in the late sixteenth century. His brother, Cain persuaded Liam to donate it to St. Patrick's Church in Dublin and there it had been all these years. Angus firmly believed the chalice should be his and traveled to Dublin several months ago. He spotted the chalice and at just the right moment, grabbed it out of the Father O'Connor's hands as he was celebrating holy communion. He ran from the church to his rented room, placed the chalice in the satchel he carried with him and was on the boat headed for New York before nightfall.

When the ship arrived in New York, he boarded the train for his home in St. Louis. Everything had gone so smoothly he was celebrating his success with a bit of port. The satchel was strapped to his arm but he found it difficult to eat his meal without the use of his right hand. He removed the strap intending to place it back on his wrist after dinner but was so enjoying his port, he fell asleep with the satchel unsecured.

“I've been robbed” Angus shouted.

Early the next morning Alma was in the kitchen stirring pancake batter. Ham and bacon were frying on the stove. The vicar, still sleepy from a late night, wondered how Alma did what she did. She wasn't a young woman anymore and here she was bright eyed and busy as a bee.

“Good morning Will. Did you sleep well? Kate was up with the birds this morning, she has gone to the telegraph office to wire her parents about the wedding. I hope you aren't disappointed that it won't be a big, glamorous affair?”

“As long as your granddaughter becomes my wife, I don't care what kind of wedding it is. I just hope it isn't a disappointment to Kate.”

With that Kate entered the kitchen. “I would think the mother of two would have more things on her mind than a big fancy wedding. I just want to marry my sons' father.”

They all laughed including Oscar Crowley who Kate happened to run into on her way home.

“I've told Oscar all about the boys and he wants to talk with them. He thinks, if the boys agree, there shouldn't be a problem adopting them. He knows the judge who would hear our case and thinks it would go smoothly. Oh Will, I hope you haven't changed your mind. I have already spoken to Nettie and she has offered to tutor the boys so they will be able to attend school in just a few months.”

“You have been busy this morning, haven't you? No, I haven't changed my mind. In fact, I haven't thought of anything else all night. Now, let's go wake up our sons so we can all sit down to this wonderful meal Great Grandmother Alma has prepared.”

Upstairs, two boys were waking up

“Hey Butch, what did you do with that satchel you swiped from that guy on the train?”

“Golly Billy, I forgot about that. I think I dropped it when we jumped off the train. It was just some dumb old cup anyway. I thought it was the man's lunch and I was really hungry. Billy, I think I smell bacon.”

Will tapped on the door telling the boys it was time to get up and come down for breakfast. They arrived in the dining room and saw Oscar Crowley. He greeted them in a deep voice. For an instant Billy was afraid Will really did call the sheriff on them but he saw the smile on the old gentleman's face and sat down folding his hands and bowing his head waiting for grace to be said. After breakfast, Oscar, Will and Kate called the boys into the parlor. Oscar wanted to know how they would feel about staying with Will for the next few days and Kate after the ceremony on Saturday.

“On Monday morning we will go to visit with a judge to see about Will and Kate being your new mother and father. Do you think you would like that?”

Butch was beaming. “You would be our ma and pa? Billy, did you hear that? It's even better than what you asked God for.”

Billy, didn't say a word for a few seconds. He glanced around the room and then said “You know what Pa? You were right about God, you can't see Him but you know He is there.” Everybody hugged and cried and laughed.

Oscar was beaming as he entered the Antique Shop.

“Sometimes things just work out as they should” he told Nettie.

Nettie was beaming herself. “Richard and Robert stopped by this morning. They asked us to join them and Emma and Lily tonight at the Trattoria for an early supper. The girls have been giggling all morning. I hope it's what I think it is and they have announcements to make.”

“It's about time” grumbled Oscar. “If I dragged my feet with their mother as they are doing, they never would have been born.”

Everyone was right on time that evening. Rosa had a bottle of champagne waiting for them as they sat at the table. Richard began the conversation by saying they would like Oscar and Nettie's help in planning a double wedding ceremony for them. After congratulations, handshakes and hugs, Lily said they thought a Christmas wedding would be nice.

“Christmas!” cried Oscar. “That's three months away. Haven't you kept me waiting for grandchildren long enough and you want to wait another three months?”

Nettie put her hand over his trying to calm him down.

Emma thought for a moment and then said “Would the first day of autumn suit you any better Father?”

“Now, here's a girl who makes sense. I'd rather the wedding were tomorrow but I suppose I can wait one more week.”

Everyone laughed at Oscar's impatience but they all agreed the sooner they were married the happier they would be.

After dinner, Oscar and Nettie excused themselves. They thought they'd head home to check on Polly and Faith. It was only a matter of time before Polly and Faith started a new life with Randy Burke. That was what Nettie wanted for the girl who had become like a daughter to her but she would miss them terribly.

The young people decided to take a walk along the beach before heading home. Richard and Robert were reminiscing about their dad while they were growing up. Although he was an extremely busy attorney and the only one within 50 miles back then, he always found time to be with his family. Both boys looked up to him and were very happy when some of Oscar's old clients compared them to father.

“The least we can do for the old man is give him a houseful of grandchildren.” Robert said with a twinkle in his eye.

“I'm all for that” replied Lily, her eyes flashing back at him.

Richard noted that Emma looked a little sad. “What's wrong, dear? You aren't having second thoughts about marrying me are you?”

“Don't be silly Richard. I can't wait to marry you. It's just that I don't have any family anymore. I was thinking of how happy my grandfather would have been to have a great grandchild.”

Lily spoke up. “Emma, there are so many people in Camden Corners who think of you as family. Nettie would be so hurt if she heard you talk that way. You know she thinks of both of us as daughters.”

Emma shook her head in agreement and was a little ashamed to be sounding so selfish. Richard squeezed her hand. At that moment, she began to fall. Richard grabbed her arm to catch her. She had stumbled on something half buried in the sand. She picked it up.

“This looks like a silver chalice and by the feel of it, I suspect it's quite old. There is some kind of writing on the bottom but it's too dark to make it out. Let's take it back to the shop, I'm curious as to what it says.”

When they entered the shop and turned on the light Emma realized the writing was in Latin.

“Nice to have an attorney around when you need one. Let's see how much of your Latin you remember.”

Richard read the words COK.ME.FIERI.FECIT.ANNO.DOMINI. 1590. Together the Crowleys translated the words into English COK had me made in the year of the Lord 1590.

Emma and Lily knew they had found a very valuable work of art. It would be a busy day tomorrow what with planning a wedding in just a couple of weeks and researching this silver chalice that they stumbled upon.

Still ranting and raving over his missing satchel, Angus was close to strangling the conductor if he didn't tell him who could have stolen his property. The conductor did remember chasing two boys off the train and he may have seen a satchel flying through the air when they jumped. Finally he remembered it was just as they were coming into Camden Corners. He warned the Camden Corners station master, Lionel Cotton that the boys might try hopping on the next train and to keep an eye out for them.

Angus was at the ticket counter within minutes. He would track down those ruffians if it was the last thing he did. After all his hard work getting the chalice back to its rightful owner, he was not about to lose it now.

The Farmhand

 

Just a few days before the official start of autumn, the handsome stranger arrived in Camden Corners on the 10:40. He didn't really pick Camden Corners, it picked him since his funds were limited and he didn't want to spend what little money he had on a ticket that would take him any farther west.

As he hopped off the train, he wondered what he had gotten himself into. This was really a small town. The first thing he had to do was choose a name for himself. He didn't want anyone to know his identity. Charlie had a friendly ring to it. The fellow he met on the train told him he was traveling to Brentwood. Charlie Brent. That would be his new name. Sounds like an honest type guy.

Charlie spotted O'Sullivan's Pub and made that his first stop. Mack Mackenzie introduced himself to the stranger.

“Will you be settling down in Camden Corners or just passing through?” he asked.

Charlie liked this friendly bartender immediately.

“Looking for work for a few months and then I'll be on my way” replied Charlie. “Know anybody who is hiring”

Not that he had any skills, but it was worth a try.

“I heard, just this morning that Grandpa Wally Wallace is looking for someone to help him clear some land. You might want to pay him a visit. His house is just over the river and through the woods.”

Grandpa Wally wasn't Mack's grandfather. Everyone in town called him Grandpa Wally and his wife was Grandma Bess. Charlie finished his corned beef sandwich and draft. He thanked Mack and was on his way to cross the bridge and find his way through the woods to Grandpa's house.

Mack's mother, Fiona was setting tables getting ready for the lunch crowd when she overheard Mack and the stranger's conversation.

“Maybe you shouldn't have told that fellow where Grandpa Wally lives, Mack. You don't know anything about him. He seemed a little hesitant when he gave you his name, like it was something he had just thought up.”

“Oh, Ma, he had an honest face. He's from New York City and I don't mean from the seedy part of town. He has class.”

“Did he tell you this son?”

“No, I just know it from living there for a while. I'm sure it will be OK.”

Fiona could see the flicker of doubt in her son's eye and wasn't surprised when he called his father in to help with the lunch crowd. Mack decided to take a little walk to Grandpa Wally's just to make sure Charlie found his way without a hitch.

Wally and Bess were delighted to meet this charming stranger. Wally was getting up in years and the farm was taking more and more out of him. Wally knew there had to be more to Charlie than he was telling but he had a good feeling about him. Duke, his old bloodhound, took a liking to him too and Wally had faith in Duke's judgment.

Charlie was a muscular fellow but it was apparent he had never done much physical labor. He was soft but that wouldn't last too long with the work he would be doing in the fields. The two shook hands and Charlie was ready to go to work right then and there. At that moment, Mack appeared saying he wanted to make sure Charlie didn't have any trouble finding Grandpa Wally's farm. Charlie saw through the excuse but was touched that Mack was concerned enough about the old man to leave the pub during such a busy time of day just to make sure everything was as it should be.

Camden Corners might be a hick town but he was beginning to like it very much. Grandma Bess was happy Wally would have some much needed help and was busy washing blankets for the bunk in the barn. Charlie wouldn't have to worry about sleeping arrangements and he could already smell a ham baking in the oven. Yes, he was going to like Camden Corners that was for sure. By the end of the first day Charlie was so sore he could barely move his legs enough to climb into the comfortable bunk. Wally chuckled at the way Charlie tried to hide his pain. He was curious about the boy but knew he wasn't going to learn his story until Charlie was ready to tell it.

Charlie had been working for almost three days when he noticed Grandma Bess had company as the men walked toward the house for lunch. Grandma Bess introduced Charlie to their granddaughter, Betsy. Betsy was a beauty with fiery red hair and the greenest eyes Charlie had ever seen. Wally and Bess smiled broadly as the two youngsters nodded hello.

Betsy worried about her grandparents. They worked way too hard and now she wondered if maybe they trusted too much. Who was this good looking stranger? He didn't look like a farmhand to her. More like a man of the world. She asked Charlie how long he was planning to be in town but Wally stopped her questioning.

“Leave the young fellow alone, Betsy. He's been working up an appetite all morning and he doesn't need you prying into his business.”

Betsy, would let it go for now but she was not going to let Charlie off the hook that easily. Look at those hands, they were a little scratched up and sunburned but they certainly hadn't had a lifetime of hard work like any farmhand she had ever seen.

Charlie was enjoying every meal he had with Wally and Bess. Bess made the most wonderful tasting dishes. Charlie was afraid he was eating them out of house and home but Bess kept piling food on his plate. They laughed and joked and all had a good time.

Betsy was certainly a beauty. Charlie knew he shouldn't be interested in her but he was in spite of himself. Betsy, still curious about Charlie found him to be a fascinating conversationalist and very easy on the eyes. Yes, there was more to this fellow than he was letting on and she would get to the bottom of it. Charlie mentioned meeting Mack Mackenzie.

Betsy stopped by the pub on her way home to find out what Mack knew about the stranger who seemed to be an important part of her grandparent's life now. Mack told Betsy he was sure Charlie was from an upscale part of New York City. He was a bit leery of him too and worried about Wally and Bess. Betsy's next stop was the library where she searched the New York papers for the last few months. Betsy's heart sank when she saw a picture of Charlie and a very sophisticated beauty. The caption read:

Mr. & Mrs. Charleton Granholm Wentworth, III announce the engagement of their son, Charleton Granholm Wentworth, IV to Miss Phoebe Evandale Samuelson, daughter of the Honorable Herbert Jamison Samuelson and Mrs Carolyn Clement Samuelson of Washington, D.C.

Charlie wasn't smiling in the picture. He looked stiff and totally miserable. Miss Phoebe looked as though she was whiffing a very unpleasant odor. Betsy chuckled to herself when she wondered if Miss Phoebe's nose filled with water when it rained since it was pointed so far upward toward the sky.

Betsy was sorry she went snooping. She didn't like to think of Charlie being with that horrible snob. She had to admit to herself that she was jealous of this girl. Before Betsy left the library she confided in her friend Sarah Harcourt.

Sarah had heard the Wallaces had a stranger working for them and decided it was high time she and Max introduced themselves to the newcomer. Max was an author and could size people up in a hurry. He also had many contacts in New York and Washington and maybe he could find out some information about this mysterious stranger who looked just like the rich, spoiled New Yorker whose photo was in the newspaper.

Betsy and Sarah made plans to meet when school let out that day and Annie Mackenzie could take over Sarah's duties in the library for the afternoon. They stopped by Sarah's home on the way to the farm and Max joined their little adventure. Max loved a mystery and was working on a new one of his own.

Grandma Bess was delighted to see Betsy again and gave Sarah and Max big hugs. Nobody could fool the old woman, she knew exactly why they were here.

“Did you find any information at the library Betsy?” she asked with a sly smile on her face.

“Grandma, how did you know I went to the library” said Betsy as her face began turning a pretty shade of red.

“I know my granddaughter and you weren't going to let the Charlie matter go. Besides, if you hadn't found something in the New York papers, you and Sarah wouldn't be here now and you certainly wouldn't have torn Max away from his writing just for a friendly visit.”

Max laughed. He loved this old woman. Her body might be giving out a bit each year but her mind was as sharp as it had ever been. He never knew anyone who could pull the wool over her eyes or Wally's for that matter. He wasn't worried about the stranger because he trusted their instincts but he was curious and was determined to see if Charlie was really Mr. Charleton Granholm Wentworth, IV. Max had met Chip Wentworth as he was called. He didn't know him well but did remember talking to him at a gathering one time. He was very interested in Max's writing and wondered how he had gotten started in the business.

The foursome walked out into the backyard. They could see Wally and Charlie in the distance. They were using a two man saw on one of the dying birch trees out by the woods. Suddenly a gust of wind came up. Bess saw the tree start to sway and yelled Wally's name. Charlie heard her at that moment and pushed Wally down on the ground shielding his body with his own. Max and the girls ran as fast as they could to the pair. Bess was on her knees in prayer. Wally had the wind knocked out of him but was able to stand up and wave to Bess. Charlie was trapped under the tree and lay unconscious.

The four of them were able to lift the tree off Charlie but didn't dare move him. Betsy sat with him while Sarah walked Wally back to the house and Max ran to get one of Wally's horses to ride into town for the doctor. Doc Tom grabbed his medical bag and rode back to the farm with Max while Doc McMillan gathered the back brace and readied his buckboard for the trip. Doc Julie stayed behind to tend to a waiting room full of patients.

Doc Tom could tell right away that the stranger was seriously injured. He didn't appear to have any broken bones but there was deep gash on his forehead and no signs of consciousness. Doc did his best to patch up the head wound while he waited for his father-in-law to arrive with the back brace and buckboard. They knew it was dangerous to move the patient but they needed to get him away from the woods. The three men very carefully lifted Charlie and slowly carried him into the farmhouse where Grandma Bess had just placed fresh sheets and blankets on the bed just across from the kitchen. The doctors knew Charlie's condition was serious. They told his anxious friends that he may come out of the coma within a day or two or he could remain unconscious indefinitely.

Max couldn't be certain but he did believe Charlie Brent was same fellow he knew as Chip Wentworth. They shared their information with Wally and Bess. Wally was not pleased that Sarah went snooping into Charlie's personal business but even he had to agree it would be best to contact Charlie's parents.

Max rode into town that evening and sent a telegram to Mr. Wentworth. Betsy stayed by Charlie's bedside for the next three days. Wally and Bess watched over him hoping and praying he would open his eyes.

The 10:40 pulled into the train station on schedule. Mr. and Mrs. Charleton Granholm Wentworth, III exited the train with Miss Phoebe trailing behind.

“Why did that little twit have to come along?” Charleton grumbled to his wife.

Phoebe was covering her nose and mouth as though she was afraid to breathe in the fumes of fresh air. Max met them at the station and gave them a ride to the farmhouse to visit their son.

Charleton entered the small bedroom and was shocked to see the condition of his son. To his surprise, his eyes filled and his hand shook as he touched his son's cheek. He remembered that horrible day when the two quarreled. He had said some terrible things to Chip. He told him he was ashamed to call him his son. A son he had trained to take over in the financial world and all the boy wanted to do was write stories and live in a fantasy world. What kind of a man was that? Chip was furious with his father because he had announced his son's engagement to that driveling half-wit Phoebe Samuelson. Marry the girl? He couldn't stand to be in the same room with her. Her father was extremely influential and Charlton wanted the connection. He couldn't understand why his son wouldn't jump at the chance. He didn't have to love her, just have a couple of children with her and then he could bed whomever he wanted for the rest of his days. Chip turned on his heel and walked out the door. That was the last Charlton had seen his son until this moment when he looked to be on death's door.

Phoebe burst into the room and swooned as Max caught her before she hit the ground. She cried uncontrollably until Bess guided her out of the room and sat her on the sofa telling her to get a hold of herself. The tears stopped immediately once her audience had disappeared.

Charleton looked around and saw so many kind faces of those who cared about his son. Doc McMillan explained the situation to him. His first instinct was to call in every specialist in New York and Washington but he sensed that everything was being done for his son right here in the small town of Camden Corners.

Charlie's mother, Daphne, was sitting quietly next to her son's bedside. She was observing the young girl named Betsy. Her instincts told her Betsy's feelings were stronger than a simple friendship with her son. She knew he would never marry Phoebe and she didn't blame him. Unlike his father, Chip was not a shallow man. Charleton had married Daphne so many years ago, not because he loved her but because her father was an influential man. Daphne wasn't unhappy with the arrangement but she wanted more than a marriage of convenience for her son.

Charleton could take Miss Phoebe no longer and arranged for her transportation to the train station and sent her on her way. This was the least he could do for his son. He didn't want that insipid girl's face to be the first thing Chip saw when he woke up. Charlie was aware of voices in the background. His head was very sore and it was difficult to open his eyes but he wanted to know what all the commotion was about. He slowly opened his eyes and looked into the smiling face of Betsy Wallace. Doc McMillan was also smiling and hovering over him welcoming him back from his long rest. He suddenly remembered the tree falling down on Wally. He called Wally's name and when he saw the old man who's cheeks were wet with tears, he knew everything would be alright. It didn't take long before Charlie was feeling as good as new. His head was healing nicely and he was thankful for the new friends he had in Camden Corners.

Charlie and his father had a long talk. Charleton came to the realization with the help of Daphne that his son was his own man. Writing was a noble profession. Just look at William Shakespeare. Charlton also realized that Daphne was a pretty special woman and maybe his marriage meant more to him than just convenience. Charlton and Daphne bid goodbye to the good folks of Camden Corners with the promise of a return trip very soon. How about a Thanksgiving wedding Charleton shouted as he hopped on the train. Charlie and Betsy just smiled as Charlie squeezed Betsy's hand.