Mariette And The Cowboy (Western Night Series 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

three families. They have been offered a pittance, but all three are so poor that they were seriously considering it. I told them to hang on. That we would make a big stink about it in the newspaper, that if they were going to sell we would try to at least get them a good price.”
    “I think we could maybe even go one better,” Mariette said angrily. She prided herself on fair dealings, and had ensured that the rest of Stephenville did the same. She wasn’t going to let a bunch of outsiders come in and try and take over their town. She wondered what they though the land held. She knew the geological surveys said there was no gold, or copper but she knew that there had been rumours for years about the possibilities of oil production happening here in Texas. She’d lay her entire fortune that these men were getting ready for when there was the technology to make something of it.
    “Whatever do you mean?” Melissa asked her, finally catching her breath.
    “Well, I think we should firstly expose this story. Secondly I think we should start up a town co-operative. I’ve been thinking about it for ages, how it could work and if it would be a good idea. This makes up my mind. I think it is the only way to move forward. We all contribute either labour, produce, money or skills to the town. In return we can all draw on whatever we need so nobody need give up their homes when times are tough. I think we need to keep these parasites that are scouring the state buying up land out of Stephenville. Then, if there turns out to be anything under the ground, as a whole town we can contribute to finding the resources to mine it, and then to benefit from it.”
    “Do you really think people will go for it? I mean it sounds wonderful, but many wealthy people will probably just think you are trying to take their money and palm them off with something less valuable.”
    “We can maybe try. Use the newspaper to announce a town meeting to discuss the possibilities at least. The wealthy will agree to it if they think there will be a benefit to them. We need homes built, we need people to fix those homes, shoe our horses, make our fancy carriages. We also love to gamble on things that may make us a lot of money,” Mariette grinned at Melissa. “Oil is rumoured to be the next big thing. People are buying up land wherever they can. The technology to access it is coming, and anyone who had the foresight to buy now will benefit. Now, why should that not mean that we can benefit the entire town too?”
    “Well, I’ll write this up and leave you to do that side of things, but you may be right. I know Caleb and I would be grateful for some kind of insurance should times be tough. If we could contribute in the good years, and be able to take our share when times are lean that could be a real blessing. I know many folk like us, and those less well off would feel the same.”
    Mariette was sure that it was a good idea. She had been considering doing something about it for some time, but there were a few in town who would think her mad. But, the majority could really benefit from it, and she was determined to try. She quickly outlined her plan, rewrote it a dozen plans until she was sure that nobody could possibly misconstrue her meanings, and then chose a night for everyone to meet and discuss it. She almost bumped into Melissa on the stairs as she hurried down to pass it to Mr Cole to be included.
    Two hours later and she held the first copy of the new Stephenville Star in her hands. She had to admit, it looked wonderful and was packed full of useful news and information for the townspeople. She hugged Melissa, and surprised Mr Cole when she did the same to him. His head only just reached her shoulders and he looked bemused and bewildered when he was released from her bosom. “How long before the entire print run is complete?” she asked him once he seemed to have recovered his wits.
    “Should have it done by dawn, you hired lads like I