Valley Of Hope -- Chapter Eleven

2008-7-27 11:44:00

Valley Of Hope

by Ted Dewey

Chapter Eleven

Henry drove to town and mailed the letter to Oran Thomas. He was glad to get this job taken care of. He didn't consider himself an expert on writing essays, but he hoped that this was what the man wanted.

His next stop was at the men's store on Gurley. He bought himself a couple shirts, two pair of Hager slacks, a fancy pair of western boots, underwear, and stockings.

It was a great feeling to spend money on new clothes. He couldn't seem to find a place to stop; everything in the store was so nice. When he finally walked out the clerk assured him that he was the best dressed man in town.

Then a dark thought come to his mind. What about that hundred grand in the bank? What about the income tax on all this money? He had better go see the H & R tax man!

But on the other hand, why hurry? This was the 5th of June, and it was a long time before taxes were due again.

Then a more pleasant thought came to him. Slip down to The Western and see Julie. Also, a good cold beer would taste mighty fine right now.

Today the place was not so crowded. Henry found an empty stool close to Julie's cash register and sat down.

The cute bar maid showed her dimples and looked him over with a critical eye. "My, what fancy clothes. And do you look nice. What has happened all of a sudden? Did one of your rich uncles die?"

Henry grinned and took a swallow of the cold beer that Julie had set in front of him. "Well I guess I had better tell you. I sold some of my machinery.

A frown came to Julie's pretty face. "Henry," she said, "I am worried about you."

"You? Worried about me? Why?"

"Because, Henry. Yesterday you came in here throwing money around like it was going out of style, and you try to get the whole town drunk."

"I was just celebrating a little..."

"Quite a little, I would say. By the way, did those two guys find you?"

"What two guys?"

"I don't know who they were. I have never seen them before. I am sure that they are strangers."

Henry was curious. "What did they want?"

"I don't know, but they were sure asking a lot of questions about you."

"What did they look like?"

Julie frowned. "They sure didn't look like anyone from around here. One of them was a big, dark complexioned guy. He did all the talking."

"Did he say anything to you?"

"He asked me where you lived. I didn't like the guy's looks, so I told him I didn't know."

"I wonder who they are. Do you think they will he back?"

"I sure don't know. But if they happen to come in, I will point them out to you."

A man down the bar was tapping on a glass with a coin.

"Better get back to work." Julie smiled at Henry. "By the way, are you taking me out to dinner tonight? Or have you forgotten?"

"I will pick you up at seven."

Julie excused herself and went back to her station.

Henry wondered who the two men could be. Very likely a couple of car salesmen. He had been looking at some late model cars last week. His old Ford had seen better days.

The room seemed to be getting darker. A deep rumble followed by a quick flash suggested that it might rain. Henry glanced at his watch -- four o'clock. He had better get going. There was a few things at the ranch that he should take care of. He also needed to get ready to move into the motel tomorrow. He bid Julie goodbye and stepped out the door.

As he drove out toward his ranch he passed through the rocky canyon -- a place called Granite Dells. Many years ago this famous pass had been the scene of several massacres. Both the white man and the Indian had used it to their advantage. The rugged beauty of the place fascinated Henry. It never seamed to lose its charm.

A few miles beyond this rocky gorge he turned off onto a dirt road that would take him to his home. He couldn't help but wonder about the two men that were inquiring about him. Probably car salesmen all right.

And speaking of cars -- he had told Oran Thomas that he had another invention, but he hadn't told him that it was a car that ran on compressed air!

Right at the present time he had it hid out inside an old mine tunnel just above the house. This dream car of his was not quite completed.

Oh, it would run all right. That part was finished, but before he showed this to anyone there was still a lot to do. It must also look like a million; and now that he had plenty of money he would soon take care of this. That is, if he could find the time.

The car rattled along over the bumpy road. Then suddenly, the ranch house was just ahead of him. One quick glance told him that he had company. A shiny late model Ford was parked in the driveway. Two men were sitting in the front seat.

Henry pulled up beside them and got out. The two men in the other car did likewise.

Henry looked the pair over. No doubt, they were the men that Julie had told him about. He greeted them.

"Howdy gents. It looks like I got here just in time. Come to see me about something?"

Both men nodded. The big, dark complexioned one spoke.

"Are you Henry Bower?"

"That's what people call me."

"And I'm Ira Baker. This guy here is Lonnie Phillips. He is my partner."

Henry nodded. "Pleased to meet you." He walked around the new Ford and gave it a good looking over. "Its a nice car all right. How much do you want for it?"

The man that called himself Baker shook his head. "We are not car salesmen, Mister Bower."

"Then what are you selling?"

The big man laughed. "We are not selling anything. But there is something that we would like to talk to you about it.

A big, black cloud was forming overhead. A few drops of rain were coming down. Henry looked the pair over once more, then made a quick decision. He took the ring of keys from his pocket and nodded toward the house.

"We had better go inside. In a few minutes it will be pouring down. Follow me."

Henry seated the pair on the couch in the living room. Then sat down on a chair by the table.

"Okay gents, now would you please tell me just what this is all about?"

Baker, who seemed to do all the talking, cleared his throat.

"Mister Bower," he said, "we are from New York. And we work for a company called 'Ventures Unlimited.'" A big smile crossed his face. "I guess you have heard of them?"

Henry was startled. He hadn't expected this. Thomas had said nothing about anyone coming to see him. However, it was possible that he hadn't been informed. Slowly he nodded his head.

"Yes, I have heard of them."

"And Oran Thomas -- you have met him?"

Again, Henry nodded. Why hadn't Thomas said something about these two men?

Then like a bolt of lightning that had just lit up the place, he remembered the words of Thomas. "And for Gods sake, don't talk about this to anyone!" He closed his eyes. He had better be careful.

Baker was talking again. "We were to meet both of you in Prescott, but somehow we got our wires crossed and we were a day late. I understand that Thomas has already returned to New York. Is that correct?"

Henry could see no harm in admitting this. He nodded.

"I understand that he was sent here to make some sort of a deal with you. Would you mind telling us about it?

This man Baker could sure ask a lot of questions, Henry thought. Just the opposite from the guy that answered to the name of Lonnie Phillips. So far, this guy had kept his mouth shut.

"Didn't someone tell you why he was sent here?" Henry asked.

"Well not exactly. They didn't go to the details, but we were supposed to meet Thomas here in Prescott. They didn't know exactly where he would be staying." Baker paused and lit a cigarette. "Mister Bower," he continued, "we were given your name and were told that Thomas would contact you. We didn't know just where to find him, so we inquired around and found out where you lived." Baker grinned. "We have been out here a couple of times, but as you know there has been no one here."

"Thomas got him a room up town," Henry explained. "Very likely we were there."

Baker nodded. "So we discovered, but too late. When we finally found the place, he was gone. Also we were informed that you would be staying there part of the time. Is that correct?"

This guy could sure ask a lot of questions. Henry thought. And it could be that he was on the level. But he had better be careful. He had been warned.

And another thing; he didn't want them to come snooping around here, especially when he was gone. The power house on top of that hill was top secret. If Thomas had wanted them to know about it, he could of told them himself.

One sure way to keep them away from the place would be to convince them that he would be moving. At least he would give it a try. He answered, "I will be staying at the motel in town until Thomas returns from New York."

Baker nodded. "Good. We will keep in touch with you." He and his silent partner got to their feet.

When Baker reached the door, he took hold of the knob and turned around. His voice was sharp and demanding. "By the way, did Thomas get the word as to where the final destination would be?"

Henry slowly shook his head. "I don't think so. He was expecting them to decide within the next few days."

"Good. By the way, Bower. Just what kind of a part will you be playing in this venture?"

Henry's voice was firm. "Not any kind just yet. I will probably go to work for Thomas after he returns."

Baker opened the door. The wind was blowing, and it had started to rain. He turned to Henry; there was a big smile on his face.

"Sure nice meeting you. And we will keep in touch." The grin widened. "And do us a favor, pal. We are old friends of Oran's, and we want to surprise him when he returns. So when he gets back don't say a word about us being here, okay?"

"Just as you say." Henry slimly closed the door behind them. "Good day, gentlemen!"

  

-- End Of Chapter Eleven --