Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold Read Online Free PDF

reflected. But only for a minute or two. I reflected on how rich the Bourns must have been.” Then she laughed. “They ran the place for a time. Gold barons, I suppose.”
    “Good, Mom. But I think I should get back to … to work.” He moved closer to Harriet. “Look, Mom, I’m sorry I jumped down your throat before. It’s just that sometimes I think you disapproveof what I do for a living, disapprove of me for not following Dad’s footsteps.”
    Harriet shook her head. “If that were true, would I have brought you these?” She reached into her Empire Gold Mine bag and pulled out the three pencils.
    She watched a smile spread across Henry’s face. “Ah, that’s so nice.”
    “This one here”—she handed it to him—“is fancy. You tilt it, and the mule moves with the gold. Isn’t that clever?”
    “It sure is. Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome, son.” She patted his cheek, something she did often and sometimes to Henry’s annoyance, but mostly he liked it. This time he caught her hand in his and patted it. “I really need to get back; it’s already three o’clock and, by the way, Prudence called and said she is going to be late. She has an errand to run.”
    “Okay. I can start dinner in a little while,” Harriet said, “but I think I’d like to rest first for a bit.”
    “Thanks, Mom,” Henry said. “Not for resting. I mean for handling dinner. It’s a big help. I have to get this chapter done—today.”
    “Another Western, dear?” she asked even though she already knew.
    “Yes, the continuing saga of Turtle Creek.”
    Harriet pulled her Empire Gold Mine shakers from the bag. “When I was in Dodge City, I finally figured out what you see in cowboys.”
    “Really? You never liked cowboys.”
    “Now, I didn’t say I like them, I just said I figured out their appeal. There’s a difference, dear. Now, I better set these salt and pepper shakers down somewhere. Maybe you wouldn’t mind if we actually used them.” She swallowed. “No, on second thought, I’ll just add them to my collection in the garage.” She emphasized the word
garage
.
    Henry didn’t say a word.
    Harriet smiled. “It is my hobby, although you’d never know it—around here.”
    “Mom,” Henry said. “I told you we are working on it. But listen, I was going to wait to tell you this, but Prudence and I have a surprise for you that might make you feel better.”
    “Really, Henry? A surprise? For me? I love surprises.”
    “Yes, a big surprise, and I think you are really going to like it.”
    “Tell me,” Harriet said.
    Henry shook his head. “Nope. Not until Prudence comes home. Because, Mom, it was her idea.”
    Harriet sighed. “Okay, okay. Leave me hanging.” She yawned. “Maybe I’ll even take a little nap before starting dinner.”
    “Good idea,” Henry said. “I have cowboys stuck in a cave-in.” Henry kissed his mother’s cheek. “Have a good rest.”

Chapter Four
    H ENRY SAT DOWN AT HIS DESK AND LOOKED OVER THE blueprints. It was hard to read the plans without thinking of his dad and not feeling bad for not following in his father’s footsteps and for selling the business, Beamer’s Beams and Buildings.
    “But it wasn’t my calling, Dad,” Henry said. “You were the builder. God made me a writer. How long do I have to feel guilty about it?”
    Humphrey trotted into the den, wagging his tail.
    “Humphrey,” Henry said, “I thought you were taking a nap with Mom.”
    Humphrey let go a quiet woof and plopped down on his rump. Henry patted his head. “I can’t wait to give Mom the surprise.” Humphrey swished his tail. “She is going to hug the stuffing out of me. And she might feel just a wee bit sorry for thinking Pru didn’t care about her and her collection. This was all Pru’s idea.”
    Humphrey swished harder. “Look at this. Mom will have her own addition on the house. She’s been talking about her collection a lot. Well, now she’ll have a place for it.”
    Humphrey