Post by TheRebandTheDeb on Feb 21, 2009 15:29:12 GMT -8
The Night of the Unforeseen Christmas
Danielle Oliver retrieved the packages from the counter of Harrison’s in San Francisco and walked outside into the crisp winter air. It wasn’t nearly as cold as she was used to for Christmas time, having grown up in Missouri.
The packages were Christmas gifts for her family. She and her friend Rebecca were in San Francisco attending a medical lecture series that they would receive credit for. Just one more afternoon of classes and then the two young women were to board the train for St. Louis in the morning.
Danielle popped a striped peppermint stick into her mouth as she walked toward the university. Humming a Christmas carol she was deep in thought as to what she might buy for Artemus as a gift, so she didn’t notice the man coming out of the alleyway. The two collided, but he was quick and didn’t let her fall.
“Oh! Excuse me, I wasn’t paying any attention at all…” Danielle started to apologize immediately, adjusting her hat, which had gone askew in the collision. She hadn’t looked at the man who was still holding her by the elbow to steady her. As she looked up into the blue-green eyes her smile widened in recognition.
“James!” Danielle exclaimed, “What are you doing here?” She leaned up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Danielle I could ask the same of you. What are you doing in San Francisco?” His grin brought him to the attention of a group of young women who were shopping. They giggled as he nodded at them. He then turned his attention back to Danielle.
“I am attending a medical lecture series here in the city, at the university,” he was informed. Danielle grinned again, “Rebecca is here as well.” She put the peppermint stick back in her mouth.
“Oh she is? Are the two of you having fun, learning a lot?” Jim feigned indifference at the news that Danielle’s attractive friend was with her.
“Yes, James, we are having a wonderful time,” she leaned in and whispered, “are you on a case?”
“No, not anymore. We wrapped up an investigation a few days ago and actually have some time off for once.” Jim noticed that Danielle’s face lit up at the word ‘we.’
“Yes, Artemus is here in San Francisco,” he laughed.
Danielle wasn’t normally one to blush, but she did now. Jim laughed again, took Danielle’s parcels, and the pair headed off in the direction of the lecture hall.
WWWWWWWWWW
Artemus Gordon was casually strolling down the street looking in the shop windows. At the same time he both loved and hated this holiday. His partner was a terrible person to shop for and to add to his dilemma he was also shopping for the perfect gift for Danielle. Now THERE was a dilemma if ever he had one. What should he buy for her that wouldn’t send the wrong message? And just what message did he want to send? He was so confused he didn’t notice the commotion going on across the street as he entered a shop to look for something for Jim.
Artie was looking intently at the shop’s selection of leather goods thinking he might find a new gun belt for his partner when he saw some very good-looking wallets he thought Jim might like. He failed to notice the man and woman across the street exchanging pleasantries and leave, with the gentleman scooping up some of the lady's packages and carrying them for her.
Once he had made up his mind Artemus exited the shop his bundle in hand. As he continued on down the row of shops one in particular caught his nose. The scents being emitted made him turn to look and see if Danielle had somehow managed to sneak up on him. [/i] Nah, she’s not even in San Francisco, [/i]Artie thought as he entered the shop and was quickly approached by a matronly sales clerk.
“Something I can help you with?” She asked politely.
“Yes, I am looking for a gift for a special young lady and I noticed you have some nice Lilac scents…” Artie looked hopefully at the clerk.
“Oh my yes! We have some very nice fragrances that just came in from St. Louis.” She took Artie over to the counter and began to pull items out for him to see.
“Oh these are very lovely, thank you dear lady. I will take this one.” Artie gestured toward a rather large and expensive bottle. The clerk smiled.
“Oh she’ll love this one. The young lady who gets this must be very special.” The clerk winked.
“Oh yes, she is special. Very special indeed.” Artie’s mind wandered to the lady who was to receive the perfume. He paid for the bottle and quickly left.
He was heading toward the train to put his bundles away when a book on display in a nearby store window caught his eye. Oh that would be perfect! Artie thought as he hurried in and bought the book. Adding it to his other treasures he quickly made his way to the varnish car.
When Artie arrived at the train he was fumbling to locate the doorknob when the door was opened from within. Jim took some of his bundles and laid them on the desk while Artie removed his cloak and hung it on the rack.
“Getting cold out there, Jim. Wonder if it might even snow!” Artie exclaimed as he headed for the makeshift bar and poured himself a small snifter of brandy.
“Something you need to tell me, Jim?” Artie asked as he took in the grin on his partner’s face.
“No…nothing at all, Artie. What ya got in your packages?” Jim tried to steer the conversation away from himself.
“Nothing that concerns you so just keep your prying eyes and hands off!” Artie scolded him mockingly.
The next morning Jim and Artie made preparations to head toward Washington and their mission. Jim couldn’t keep the grin off his face and this had his partner wondering what he was up to.
“Oh, Artie, I almost forgot…we have to make a stop at the train station in town in the morning. We’re picking up something that needs to be delivered to St. Louis.” Jim watched his partner carefully judging his reactions.
“Pick something up huh? Well, then we had better get an early start, it’s a long way to Washington and you know how much the President hates it when we’re late.”
They pulled up into the station Jim practically bouncing off the walls of the car. Artie was beginning to think they needed to pick up a doctor along the way for his partner. Finally deciding he would get no further information from his insane partner, Artemus took a seat and opened a newspaper.
“Artie, do you want to come with me in the morning?” Jim asked curious.
“I’ve been in that station a hundred times, Jim. It’s cold enough to snow ice blocks out there. No thank you I think I’ll just stay inside where it’s warm.” Artie feigned disgust and turned back to his paper.
“All right then suit yourself.” Jim smirked as he left his partner alone to figure out his cryptic comment.
WWWWWWWWWW
Danielle left her parcels in the cloak room with her cape and hat, then continued into the lecture hall. Rebecca was already seated, and had a sheaf of paper in front of her, ready to resume her note taking.
“Did you get your shopping done?” she asked her friend.
Danielle smiled and nodded, getting her pencil from her handbag. She would keep the secret that she and James had dreamed up together on their way from the shopping district until after the lecture, at dinner.
As the women made their way to their hotel after the final lecture Rebecca kept stealing glances at her friend. Danielle had a far away look in her eye and her smile had been permanent since she had sat down in class.
“Danielle, when are you going to share?” Rebecca poked her in the ribs and Danielle turned quickly to face her.
“Share what? Do you want a peppermint stick?” Danielle asked in the most sincere manner possible, and handed one to her. Rebecca knew that Danielle was teasing her.
“Danielle, please, what aren’t you telling me? Rebecca was dying to know what secret Danielle had been keeping for the past three hours.
Danielle let out a laugh. “I have no secret except Christmas secrets. Now you just hush, I am not telling you what present I bought for you!” Rebecca laughed with her friend, not quite sure if she believed her or not.
The two friends had dinner in the restaurant in their hotel, enjoyed Christmas carols played on a grand piano in the salon next door to the restaurant after dinner, then went to their room to pack for their trip home. Danielle had decided that she would surprise Rebecca in the morning with the secret. It would be much more fun that way.
WWWWWWWWWW
Bright and early the next morning the ladies were in a hansom cab headed toward the train depot. Rebecca kept checking her bag, making sure that she hadn’t forgotten anything back at the hotel. She was a nervous traveler.
The ladies disembarked and the driver helped them get the bags to the platform. Rebecca headed toward the ticket window in order to purchase the tickets they needed for their trip home. Danielle hoped that the surprise made it in time to stop her. Oh there he is, right on time! Danielle was glad to see Jim slip in line behind Rebecca at the ticket window.
“May I inquire as to your destination, ma’am?” asked a male voice in Rebecca’s ear. She was a little annoyed, men could be so forward sometimes. As she turned to tell the man to mind his own business she was stunned into silence when she saw that it was Jim West.
“O-o-oh!” Rebecca stuttered and blushed, “Jim, what a nice surprise!” she regained her voice.
Jim smiled at her, “It’s nice to see you too, Rebecca. Now step out of this line and come with me, please.” He picked up her valise and offered her his arm.
“But I have to get my ticket to St. Louis, Jim, the train leaves in 20 minutes.”
“Ah, but my train leaves when I give the engineer the go ahead,” Jim replied. Rebecca’s confusion was evident. “Danielle and I bumped into each other yesterday and I offered the services of our varnish car to you ladies for your trip.” Rebecca’s face lit up. “You two will be riding to St. Louis with Arte and I on the Wanderer.”
While James was informing Rebecca of the change in plans, Danielle had given the rest of their bags to a porter and directed him to the siding where the Wanderer was located. He had loaded the bags into the stable car, Danielle had tipped him, and she was now waiting for Jim and Rebecca to join her.
Artemus did not know what his partner was doing but he wished he would get back. They had a deadline to reach Washington DC and he didn’t want Grant grumbling at their meeting. What is he up to? Getting the president a Christmas gift? He returned to his newspaper.
The door from the platform opened. Artemus had his back to the door, sitting in the chair facing the map.
“Well, Jim, did you find what you were looking for?”
“Yeah Arte, I found what I was looking for.” Danielle stepped up behind Arte. She stood there quietly as he asked, “So are we finally ready to pull out and get back to Washington in time for our meeting?”
“Sure Arte.” Jim stood back by the desk, he and Rebecca watching the other couple. Arte realized that Jim was across the room and the hair on the back of his neck rose. Someone was standing directly behind him.
“Any problems out there, Jim?” He raised his head, but did not turn around.
“No, no problems, partner. Why do you ask? Jim and Rebecca were trying not to laugh, as was Danielle.
Suddenly Arte was up and had drawn his gun, and before turning quickly to face whomever it was behind him he said, “I believe I have the upper hand now…” he froze when he saw her.
Surprise and astonishment crossed his face. “Dani! What…how…?” He looked past her to Jim, and then he saw Rebecca.
“Rebecca!” The rest of the group laughed at him.
“Artemus put that gun away,” Dani admonished him.
“Huh?” He looked down at his gun, “Oh yes, I’m sorry Dani.” Arte re-holstered the revolver, “You just don’t sneak up on a person like that! What are you doing here?” he asked as he pulled Danielle into a hug.
“Rebecca and I were here for a weeklong lecture series. They weren’t teaching what I needed in Washington until the Spring term. Since I didn’t want to wait…”
“Here you are,” Arte finished. He was looking into her eyes, not believing that he was holding her in his arms.
“Here I am.” Danielle eyed him coyly. “Are you upset?”
“Ups…no not at all! I couldn’t be happier.” He turned to his partner. “Jim, are these lovely ladies the items we are taking to St. Louis?” Artie asked, not letting go of Danielle as he did so.
“They sure are. Unless of course you don’t want them to travel with us. I think I can catch that other train.” Jim said mockingly.
“Take one step toward that door and I’ll shoot you.” Artie retorted with a smile.
“Come ladies, sit down. Would you like a brandy?” Artie asked as he showed the ladies to the settee.
While they sipped their brandy, Artie and Jim discussed their route with the ladies. They would make a small detour through the Grand Canyon area as Artemus thought it would be a lovely place to visit in the winter. After agreeing wholeheartedly with his plan Artemus notified Orrin of the change in plans and they settled in for the ride to St. Louis.
WWWWWWWWWW
After a day spent in the parlour car playing card games, chatting, and laughing the foursome retired to their rooms. The ladies were sharing a room reserved for visitors, the same room that President Grant used when he had traveled with them. It was small, but it was very comfortable.
The next morning found Dani and Rebecca in the galley making breakfast for everyone. The group sat down to their morning meal as the scenery outside began to show signs of winter that were not evident in California. Snow! They were getting close to the Grand Canyon.
As the train neared the south rim of the canyon, Artie pulled Danielle to the window and pointed out many different landmarks. He snaked his arm around her and smiled, everything was right with the world and nothing could take this moment away from them.
At the other end of the settee, Jim and Rebecca were seated similarly.
Jim placed his arm across Rebecca’s shoulders as they looked out the window lost in Artemus’ travelogue, spellbound by the awesome sight before them. Suddenly they heard a screeching sound as the emergency brakes were applied. Both men tightened their hold on the women to keep them from falling.
“Artemus…” Danielle began.
“I’ll talk to Orrin.” Artemus strode over to the mantle and tapped the side panel.
Then he reached inside and pulled out the communication tube and spoke into it. He listened briefly then spoke again to Orrin before returning the tube to its hiding spot and closing the panel. He turned to see three very eager and apprehensive faces staring back at him.
“Are you going to tell us what Orrin said or were you planning on keeping us in suspense all day, Artie?” Jim asked as Artie tugged at his ear, a nervous habit that immediately alerted his partner.
“Well…it seems that we might be stuck here for a day or so…” Artie looked apologetically at the women.
“Stuck?” Rebecca repeated.
“I’m afraid so. The train has run into a small avalanche on the tracks and Orrin said it will take that long to clear the tracks.”
“What will we do stuck out in the middle of nowhere for two days?” Danielle muttered, not fully aware she had made the comment out loud.
“Oh I can think of a thing or two,” Artie winked at her and was rewarded with a poke to his ribs.
“Well, Artie, if we are going to be stuck here for a while we’d better see about getting some extra firewood to keep the engine fired up.” Jim grabbed his jacket from the coat rack and tossed Artie’s to him.
“While you men are doing that Danielle and I can go to the galley and see what we can rustle up for supper.” Rebecca and Danielle lightly kissed the men and hurried toward the galley chatting.
“If I live to be 100 I’ll never understand women.” Artie smiled as he shook his head and headed for the stable car.
“If you live to bee 100 Artie you won’t remember what women are!” Jim joked as they grabbed axes and headed out.
WWWWWWWWWW
Orrin Cobb joined the two agents in their gathering of fuel for the engine. The three men were frozen through when they put the last of the wood into the tender linked to the front of the stable car. They left their wet boots, coats, and gloves in the stable car and made their way to the parlor where the ladies had hot coffee waiting.
After warming up Orrin went forward to change into dry clothes then return to the engine to help the fireman keep the fires burning. The other two crew members were digging in the snow, trying to make some headway through the snowdrift. After another half hour they would stop, realizing that they were expending energy for no reason. The rescue crew would have to come and dig them out.
Danielle had put two chickens in the oven to roast, along with some potatoes and carrots. When they came out of the oven she put one chicken on a platter for the crew, and the other for she and her friends. Rebecca sent James with the food for the other men, and then the four of them sat down to supper. Another day gone by, but now they weren’t closer to home than they had been that morning. And Christmas was the day after tomorrow. It looked as though none of them would be home for the holiday on time.
As Artemus helped Dani dry the dishes after supper he commented, “Perhaps we should go find a fir tree tomorrow. After all, it will be Christmas Eve and we should have a tree to decorate for the holiday.” He looked at her hopefully.
“Arte that is a wonderful idea!” Arte grinned at Danielle and the two of them went out to tell Rebecca and Jim their plans for the next day. They were as pleased with the idea as Arte and Dani.
“Do you have any decorations to put on a Christmas tree?” Rebecca asked the gentlemen. They looked at each other, then shook their heads.
“All right, then it is up to Danielle and I to find something to put on that tree!” She grabbed her friend by the hand and they went to their room to search through their things to find suitable decorations.
“Arte, my family uses stringed popcorn on the Christmas tree. I used to help string it when I was a boy,” Jim reminisced. “We had tiny candles, too, in little tin candle holders. My mother lit them on Christmas Eve, for just an hour, before she and Pa sent us off to bed to wait for Santa.” He paused, lost in the memory of childhood expectations.
Artemus picked up the thread of memories. “We had the candles too. My grandmother brought the candle holders from her home in Scotland. A local tinsmith had made them for her, a special order. A gift from my grandfather for his bride.” He smiled. “My father inherited them when my grandparents were both gone. Mother still uses them, though she dislikes using the candles. She is afraid that the house will burn down around them, even if she blows them out hours before bed!” Both men laughed quietly, absorbed in memories.
“Well, it is time to make some new memories, James. This will be the first Christmas tree this train has ever seen! Let’s help the girls do it up right!”
“What do you mean Arte?”
“I mean, get the popcorn while I find a needle and thread. We can string that, at the very least!” Arte went off to his room to find the required tools, and Jim went to the galley to make large amounts of the popped corn.
WWWWWWWWWW
Meanwhile Danielle and Rebecca were searching through their bags and trunks for appropriate items to use on the tree. Danielle had been working on tatting some lace ribbon and it was long enough to cut into smaller lengths to tie in bows on the ends of the branches.
Rebecca found her jewelry box which held several small brooches and ear bobs. They decided that they could attach these to embroidery thread and loop them over the branches as ornaments. Danielle remembered that she had some as well. Both women had their embroidery and tatting with them and felt that they could quickly make a few small doily style ornaments in various shapes to hang on the tree. Gathering their paraphernalia the women joined Jim and Arte who were now busy stringing the still warm popcorn.
“Oh I just love strings of popcorn on the tree,” exclaimed Rebecca. “My sister’s children still string it with cranberries every year!”
Danielle nodded in agreement. “It is one of our family traditions to string it every year. We tend to eat just as much as we string.” The group laughed and continued to work together for awhile, after the girls showed their trove of decorations to Arte and Jim.
WWWWWWWWWW
Danielle Oliver retrieved the packages from the counter of Harrison’s in San Francisco and walked outside into the crisp winter air. It wasn’t nearly as cold as she was used to for Christmas time, having grown up in Missouri.
The packages were Christmas gifts for her family. She and her friend Rebecca were in San Francisco attending a medical lecture series that they would receive credit for. Just one more afternoon of classes and then the two young women were to board the train for St. Louis in the morning.
Danielle popped a striped peppermint stick into her mouth as she walked toward the university. Humming a Christmas carol she was deep in thought as to what she might buy for Artemus as a gift, so she didn’t notice the man coming out of the alleyway. The two collided, but he was quick and didn’t let her fall.
“Oh! Excuse me, I wasn’t paying any attention at all…” Danielle started to apologize immediately, adjusting her hat, which had gone askew in the collision. She hadn’t looked at the man who was still holding her by the elbow to steady her. As she looked up into the blue-green eyes her smile widened in recognition.
“James!” Danielle exclaimed, “What are you doing here?” She leaned up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Danielle I could ask the same of you. What are you doing in San Francisco?” His grin brought him to the attention of a group of young women who were shopping. They giggled as he nodded at them. He then turned his attention back to Danielle.
“I am attending a medical lecture series here in the city, at the university,” he was informed. Danielle grinned again, “Rebecca is here as well.” She put the peppermint stick back in her mouth.
“Oh she is? Are the two of you having fun, learning a lot?” Jim feigned indifference at the news that Danielle’s attractive friend was with her.
“Yes, James, we are having a wonderful time,” she leaned in and whispered, “are you on a case?”
“No, not anymore. We wrapped up an investigation a few days ago and actually have some time off for once.” Jim noticed that Danielle’s face lit up at the word ‘we.’
“Yes, Artemus is here in San Francisco,” he laughed.
Danielle wasn’t normally one to blush, but she did now. Jim laughed again, took Danielle’s parcels, and the pair headed off in the direction of the lecture hall.
WWWWWWWWWW
Artemus Gordon was casually strolling down the street looking in the shop windows. At the same time he both loved and hated this holiday. His partner was a terrible person to shop for and to add to his dilemma he was also shopping for the perfect gift for Danielle. Now THERE was a dilemma if ever he had one. What should he buy for her that wouldn’t send the wrong message? And just what message did he want to send? He was so confused he didn’t notice the commotion going on across the street as he entered a shop to look for something for Jim.
Artie was looking intently at the shop’s selection of leather goods thinking he might find a new gun belt for his partner when he saw some very good-looking wallets he thought Jim might like. He failed to notice the man and woman across the street exchanging pleasantries and leave, with the gentleman scooping up some of the lady's packages and carrying them for her.
Once he had made up his mind Artemus exited the shop his bundle in hand. As he continued on down the row of shops one in particular caught his nose. The scents being emitted made him turn to look and see if Danielle had somehow managed to sneak up on him. [/i] Nah, she’s not even in San Francisco, [/i]Artie thought as he entered the shop and was quickly approached by a matronly sales clerk.
“Something I can help you with?” She asked politely.
“Yes, I am looking for a gift for a special young lady and I noticed you have some nice Lilac scents…” Artie looked hopefully at the clerk.
“Oh my yes! We have some very nice fragrances that just came in from St. Louis.” She took Artie over to the counter and began to pull items out for him to see.
“Oh these are very lovely, thank you dear lady. I will take this one.” Artie gestured toward a rather large and expensive bottle. The clerk smiled.
“Oh she’ll love this one. The young lady who gets this must be very special.” The clerk winked.
“Oh yes, she is special. Very special indeed.” Artie’s mind wandered to the lady who was to receive the perfume. He paid for the bottle and quickly left.
He was heading toward the train to put his bundles away when a book on display in a nearby store window caught his eye. Oh that would be perfect! Artie thought as he hurried in and bought the book. Adding it to his other treasures he quickly made his way to the varnish car.
When Artie arrived at the train he was fumbling to locate the doorknob when the door was opened from within. Jim took some of his bundles and laid them on the desk while Artie removed his cloak and hung it on the rack.
“Getting cold out there, Jim. Wonder if it might even snow!” Artie exclaimed as he headed for the makeshift bar and poured himself a small snifter of brandy.
“Something you need to tell me, Jim?” Artie asked as he took in the grin on his partner’s face.
“No…nothing at all, Artie. What ya got in your packages?” Jim tried to steer the conversation away from himself.
“Nothing that concerns you so just keep your prying eyes and hands off!” Artie scolded him mockingly.
The next morning Jim and Artie made preparations to head toward Washington and their mission. Jim couldn’t keep the grin off his face and this had his partner wondering what he was up to.
“Oh, Artie, I almost forgot…we have to make a stop at the train station in town in the morning. We’re picking up something that needs to be delivered to St. Louis.” Jim watched his partner carefully judging his reactions.
“Pick something up huh? Well, then we had better get an early start, it’s a long way to Washington and you know how much the President hates it when we’re late.”
They pulled up into the station Jim practically bouncing off the walls of the car. Artie was beginning to think they needed to pick up a doctor along the way for his partner. Finally deciding he would get no further information from his insane partner, Artemus took a seat and opened a newspaper.
“Artie, do you want to come with me in the morning?” Jim asked curious.
“I’ve been in that station a hundred times, Jim. It’s cold enough to snow ice blocks out there. No thank you I think I’ll just stay inside where it’s warm.” Artie feigned disgust and turned back to his paper.
“All right then suit yourself.” Jim smirked as he left his partner alone to figure out his cryptic comment.
WWWWWWWWWW
Danielle left her parcels in the cloak room with her cape and hat, then continued into the lecture hall. Rebecca was already seated, and had a sheaf of paper in front of her, ready to resume her note taking.
“Did you get your shopping done?” she asked her friend.
Danielle smiled and nodded, getting her pencil from her handbag. She would keep the secret that she and James had dreamed up together on their way from the shopping district until after the lecture, at dinner.
As the women made their way to their hotel after the final lecture Rebecca kept stealing glances at her friend. Danielle had a far away look in her eye and her smile had been permanent since she had sat down in class.
“Danielle, when are you going to share?” Rebecca poked her in the ribs and Danielle turned quickly to face her.
“Share what? Do you want a peppermint stick?” Danielle asked in the most sincere manner possible, and handed one to her. Rebecca knew that Danielle was teasing her.
“Danielle, please, what aren’t you telling me? Rebecca was dying to know what secret Danielle had been keeping for the past three hours.
Danielle let out a laugh. “I have no secret except Christmas secrets. Now you just hush, I am not telling you what present I bought for you!” Rebecca laughed with her friend, not quite sure if she believed her or not.
The two friends had dinner in the restaurant in their hotel, enjoyed Christmas carols played on a grand piano in the salon next door to the restaurant after dinner, then went to their room to pack for their trip home. Danielle had decided that she would surprise Rebecca in the morning with the secret. It would be much more fun that way.
WWWWWWWWWW
Bright and early the next morning the ladies were in a hansom cab headed toward the train depot. Rebecca kept checking her bag, making sure that she hadn’t forgotten anything back at the hotel. She was a nervous traveler.
The ladies disembarked and the driver helped them get the bags to the platform. Rebecca headed toward the ticket window in order to purchase the tickets they needed for their trip home. Danielle hoped that the surprise made it in time to stop her. Oh there he is, right on time! Danielle was glad to see Jim slip in line behind Rebecca at the ticket window.
“May I inquire as to your destination, ma’am?” asked a male voice in Rebecca’s ear. She was a little annoyed, men could be so forward sometimes. As she turned to tell the man to mind his own business she was stunned into silence when she saw that it was Jim West.
“O-o-oh!” Rebecca stuttered and blushed, “Jim, what a nice surprise!” she regained her voice.
Jim smiled at her, “It’s nice to see you too, Rebecca. Now step out of this line and come with me, please.” He picked up her valise and offered her his arm.
“But I have to get my ticket to St. Louis, Jim, the train leaves in 20 minutes.”
“Ah, but my train leaves when I give the engineer the go ahead,” Jim replied. Rebecca’s confusion was evident. “Danielle and I bumped into each other yesterday and I offered the services of our varnish car to you ladies for your trip.” Rebecca’s face lit up. “You two will be riding to St. Louis with Arte and I on the Wanderer.”
While James was informing Rebecca of the change in plans, Danielle had given the rest of their bags to a porter and directed him to the siding where the Wanderer was located. He had loaded the bags into the stable car, Danielle had tipped him, and she was now waiting for Jim and Rebecca to join her.
Artemus did not know what his partner was doing but he wished he would get back. They had a deadline to reach Washington DC and he didn’t want Grant grumbling at their meeting. What is he up to? Getting the president a Christmas gift? He returned to his newspaper.
The door from the platform opened. Artemus had his back to the door, sitting in the chair facing the map.
“Well, Jim, did you find what you were looking for?”
“Yeah Arte, I found what I was looking for.” Danielle stepped up behind Arte. She stood there quietly as he asked, “So are we finally ready to pull out and get back to Washington in time for our meeting?”
“Sure Arte.” Jim stood back by the desk, he and Rebecca watching the other couple. Arte realized that Jim was across the room and the hair on the back of his neck rose. Someone was standing directly behind him.
“Any problems out there, Jim?” He raised his head, but did not turn around.
“No, no problems, partner. Why do you ask? Jim and Rebecca were trying not to laugh, as was Danielle.
Suddenly Arte was up and had drawn his gun, and before turning quickly to face whomever it was behind him he said, “I believe I have the upper hand now…” he froze when he saw her.
Surprise and astonishment crossed his face. “Dani! What…how…?” He looked past her to Jim, and then he saw Rebecca.
“Rebecca!” The rest of the group laughed at him.
“Artemus put that gun away,” Dani admonished him.
“Huh?” He looked down at his gun, “Oh yes, I’m sorry Dani.” Arte re-holstered the revolver, “You just don’t sneak up on a person like that! What are you doing here?” he asked as he pulled Danielle into a hug.
“Rebecca and I were here for a weeklong lecture series. They weren’t teaching what I needed in Washington until the Spring term. Since I didn’t want to wait…”
“Here you are,” Arte finished. He was looking into her eyes, not believing that he was holding her in his arms.
“Here I am.” Danielle eyed him coyly. “Are you upset?”
“Ups…no not at all! I couldn’t be happier.” He turned to his partner. “Jim, are these lovely ladies the items we are taking to St. Louis?” Artie asked, not letting go of Danielle as he did so.
“They sure are. Unless of course you don’t want them to travel with us. I think I can catch that other train.” Jim said mockingly.
“Take one step toward that door and I’ll shoot you.” Artie retorted with a smile.
“Come ladies, sit down. Would you like a brandy?” Artie asked as he showed the ladies to the settee.
While they sipped their brandy, Artie and Jim discussed their route with the ladies. They would make a small detour through the Grand Canyon area as Artemus thought it would be a lovely place to visit in the winter. After agreeing wholeheartedly with his plan Artemus notified Orrin of the change in plans and they settled in for the ride to St. Louis.
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After a day spent in the parlour car playing card games, chatting, and laughing the foursome retired to their rooms. The ladies were sharing a room reserved for visitors, the same room that President Grant used when he had traveled with them. It was small, but it was very comfortable.
The next morning found Dani and Rebecca in the galley making breakfast for everyone. The group sat down to their morning meal as the scenery outside began to show signs of winter that were not evident in California. Snow! They were getting close to the Grand Canyon.
As the train neared the south rim of the canyon, Artie pulled Danielle to the window and pointed out many different landmarks. He snaked his arm around her and smiled, everything was right with the world and nothing could take this moment away from them.
At the other end of the settee, Jim and Rebecca were seated similarly.
Jim placed his arm across Rebecca’s shoulders as they looked out the window lost in Artemus’ travelogue, spellbound by the awesome sight before them. Suddenly they heard a screeching sound as the emergency brakes were applied. Both men tightened their hold on the women to keep them from falling.
“Artemus…” Danielle began.
“I’ll talk to Orrin.” Artemus strode over to the mantle and tapped the side panel.
Then he reached inside and pulled out the communication tube and spoke into it. He listened briefly then spoke again to Orrin before returning the tube to its hiding spot and closing the panel. He turned to see three very eager and apprehensive faces staring back at him.
“Are you going to tell us what Orrin said or were you planning on keeping us in suspense all day, Artie?” Jim asked as Artie tugged at his ear, a nervous habit that immediately alerted his partner.
“Well…it seems that we might be stuck here for a day or so…” Artie looked apologetically at the women.
“Stuck?” Rebecca repeated.
“I’m afraid so. The train has run into a small avalanche on the tracks and Orrin said it will take that long to clear the tracks.”
“What will we do stuck out in the middle of nowhere for two days?” Danielle muttered, not fully aware she had made the comment out loud.
“Oh I can think of a thing or two,” Artie winked at her and was rewarded with a poke to his ribs.
“Well, Artie, if we are going to be stuck here for a while we’d better see about getting some extra firewood to keep the engine fired up.” Jim grabbed his jacket from the coat rack and tossed Artie’s to him.
“While you men are doing that Danielle and I can go to the galley and see what we can rustle up for supper.” Rebecca and Danielle lightly kissed the men and hurried toward the galley chatting.
“If I live to be 100 I’ll never understand women.” Artie smiled as he shook his head and headed for the stable car.
“If you live to bee 100 Artie you won’t remember what women are!” Jim joked as they grabbed axes and headed out.
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Orrin Cobb joined the two agents in their gathering of fuel for the engine. The three men were frozen through when they put the last of the wood into the tender linked to the front of the stable car. They left their wet boots, coats, and gloves in the stable car and made their way to the parlor where the ladies had hot coffee waiting.
After warming up Orrin went forward to change into dry clothes then return to the engine to help the fireman keep the fires burning. The other two crew members were digging in the snow, trying to make some headway through the snowdrift. After another half hour they would stop, realizing that they were expending energy for no reason. The rescue crew would have to come and dig them out.
Danielle had put two chickens in the oven to roast, along with some potatoes and carrots. When they came out of the oven she put one chicken on a platter for the crew, and the other for she and her friends. Rebecca sent James with the food for the other men, and then the four of them sat down to supper. Another day gone by, but now they weren’t closer to home than they had been that morning. And Christmas was the day after tomorrow. It looked as though none of them would be home for the holiday on time.
As Artemus helped Dani dry the dishes after supper he commented, “Perhaps we should go find a fir tree tomorrow. After all, it will be Christmas Eve and we should have a tree to decorate for the holiday.” He looked at her hopefully.
“Arte that is a wonderful idea!” Arte grinned at Danielle and the two of them went out to tell Rebecca and Jim their plans for the next day. They were as pleased with the idea as Arte and Dani.
“Do you have any decorations to put on a Christmas tree?” Rebecca asked the gentlemen. They looked at each other, then shook their heads.
“All right, then it is up to Danielle and I to find something to put on that tree!” She grabbed her friend by the hand and they went to their room to search through their things to find suitable decorations.
“Arte, my family uses stringed popcorn on the Christmas tree. I used to help string it when I was a boy,” Jim reminisced. “We had tiny candles, too, in little tin candle holders. My mother lit them on Christmas Eve, for just an hour, before she and Pa sent us off to bed to wait for Santa.” He paused, lost in the memory of childhood expectations.
Artemus picked up the thread of memories. “We had the candles too. My grandmother brought the candle holders from her home in Scotland. A local tinsmith had made them for her, a special order. A gift from my grandfather for his bride.” He smiled. “My father inherited them when my grandparents were both gone. Mother still uses them, though she dislikes using the candles. She is afraid that the house will burn down around them, even if she blows them out hours before bed!” Both men laughed quietly, absorbed in memories.
“Well, it is time to make some new memories, James. This will be the first Christmas tree this train has ever seen! Let’s help the girls do it up right!”
“What do you mean Arte?”
“I mean, get the popcorn while I find a needle and thread. We can string that, at the very least!” Arte went off to his room to find the required tools, and Jim went to the galley to make large amounts of the popped corn.
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Meanwhile Danielle and Rebecca were searching through their bags and trunks for appropriate items to use on the tree. Danielle had been working on tatting some lace ribbon and it was long enough to cut into smaller lengths to tie in bows on the ends of the branches.
Rebecca found her jewelry box which held several small brooches and ear bobs. They decided that they could attach these to embroidery thread and loop them over the branches as ornaments. Danielle remembered that she had some as well. Both women had their embroidery and tatting with them and felt that they could quickly make a few small doily style ornaments in various shapes to hang on the tree. Gathering their paraphernalia the women joined Jim and Arte who were now busy stringing the still warm popcorn.
“Oh I just love strings of popcorn on the tree,” exclaimed Rebecca. “My sister’s children still string it with cranberries every year!”
Danielle nodded in agreement. “It is one of our family traditions to string it every year. We tend to eat just as much as we string.” The group laughed and continued to work together for awhile, after the girls showed their trove of decorations to Arte and Jim.
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