Deborah Camp Read Online Free PDF Page B

“You were going over the ledgers when I arrived, weren’t you?”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “And have we any money, Regina?”
    “Not very much, Mrs. Nation.” Regina tensed, wondering if Mrs. Nation was going to fall back on her notion that the Lord would provide. The faithful were to be admired, but faith didn’t paythe rent and the local banker wasn’t a softhearted man.
    “It looks as if Tom Wilson’s going to be foolish about this and take me to court. That will cost money.”
    “Mr. Potter said he’d waive his fee.”
    “Yes, but if Mr. Wilson wins the case I must pay all the court costs plus his damages. Mr. Potter says he’ll most likely win.”
    “Then why doesn’t he try to settle out of court?”
    “Mr. Wilson won’t hear of it. He wants to beat his chest and point his finger in front of a judge and jury.” Mrs. Nation shrugged and set her face in a mask of stubbornness. “So be it. Mr. Wilson can rant and rave all he wants. I’ll find my strength in the Lord.”
    “But where will the money from come, Mrs. Nation? How will we raise it?”
    “I’ve been approached by a Mr. Tattershall to give a series of lectures across Kansas and Missouri. I shall accept his offer and the money I make will more than pay for Mr. Wilson’s courthouse antics.”
    “A series of lectures,” Regina repeated. “Then you’ll be gone more than a few days.”
    “A few weeks, dear, but I shall be back in time for the trial.”
    “We all look to you for support and guidance, Mrs. Nation. When you’re away things fall apart.”
    “You should look to the Lord for support and guidance, dear.” Mrs. Nation squeezed Regina’s hands. “I know that you’ll run things smoothly while I’m away. You and Jebidiah are my rocks.”
    “But we can’t take your place.”
    “I must raise the money, Regina,” Mrs. Nation said firmly. “You know that, and I certainly can’t raise any money here. I’m not a popular person in this town.”
    “That’s so unfair, too. You do so many good things here. Why can’t people see that?”
    “Some do. Most, I think. It’s just the noisy wheels that get noticed. They squeak and squeak until you think every wheel in town needs a good oiling, when all the time it’s only a couple making such a racket.”
    “Like the Hampfs. Mrs. Hampf is helping Mr. Dane and Mr. Wilson. She’ll never forgive you for interrupting her husband’s sermon that Sunday.”
    “She should thank me. John Hampf isn’t a preacher, he’s a sedative.” Her eyes twinkled and she laughed with Regina. “He’s about as exciting as a bucket of hair.”
    “What’s all this laughin’ goin’ on in here?” Jebidiah poked his woolly head around the corner. “Why, has there been a jailbreak? Laws, laws! If’n it ain’t Miz Nation!”
    “Get yourself in here, Jebidiah. You’re just in time for a late dinner. We’re having ham and eggs. Don’t say you’ve already eaten. I’ve known you ten years and I’ve never in that time known you to turn down a meal.”
    Jebidiah chuckled. “You got that right, Miz Nation. I can always eat. It sure is good to see you. I been so worried. All I c-could d-do was c-cry.” His big eyes grew watery. He sniffed and wiped his nose on his shirt cuff.
    “Now, now, none of that, Jebidiah.” Mrs. Nation stood and placed an arm around his narrow middle, giving him a quick hug. “You must be strong. I’m going to be traveling to Kansas and Missouri to spread the word about the evil of saloons and I must leave my work here in Regina’s hand. I’m counting on you to help her, to be her tireless assistant as you have been to me.”
    “You’re leavin’? When?”
    “Next week. I have only to send a wire to Mr. Tattershall.He’s the man paying me for my time,” she explained to Jebidiah. “He’ll send me a schedule and I’ll be off.”
    “I w-wish you wouldn’t go.”
    “But I must. I have to spread the word, don’t I? It’s my moral mission.” She led them to