The Montana Doctor's Bride (New Brides of Montana) Read Online Free PDF

who owns the empty building on further down Bridge Street?”
     
    “I don’t.  It was going to be a feed store, but it never opened.  I don’t know what happened, probably a case of gold fever.  Why don’t you ask Harry at the Last Chance?  He probably knows; he may even own it himself.”
     
    “I’ll do that,” he said. 
     
    He visited the Last Chance Saloon, where he asked for Harry, and was directed to a table in the corner.  “I’m Doctor Carter Palmer,” he said, introducing himself to the owner of the Last Chance Saloon.  I’m told you might have some information about the building on Bridge Street that was going to be a feed store.”
     
    “Harry Simpson, Doctor.  Actually, I won it in a poker game from the original owner.  What is your interest in the building?”
     
    “I’m looking for a place to set up my office, and would also have sufficient room for me to have living quarters,” Carter said.
     
    “I don’t know as that would be good for living quarters, but I have a house down the way on Rodney Street that would be perfect for you.  Let me get the key and you can take a look.”  He went to the back of the saloon, came back and handed the key to Carter.  “Go take a look, and tell me what you think.  It’s just sitting there, and I will make you an attractive price.”
     
    “Thank you, Mr. Simpson.  I’ll return the key to you this afternoon.”  He left the saloon, walked down to the livery stable and rented a carriage from Mose Atkins, the owner.  With the directions provided, he found the Rodney Street house easily.  From the outside, it appeared to be much nicer than what the banker had offered. 
     
    Through the front door, he found a living room, a kitchen, dining room and two bedrooms.  They were furnished with basic but serviceable furniture.  “Nice,” he thought.  The dining room could serve as a treatment room, while one of the bedrooms could house a patient that required close attention overnight. 
     
    In the back, he found a small barn where he could keep a horse and carriage.  The Bridge Street building had no such accommodations, but the livery stable could be used if he chose that building.  “ I believe I prefer this one.  It’s in much better condition.  Now if I can negotiate a good price, I’ll be set,” He thought to himself.
     
    The Last Chance Saloon…
     
    “Mr. Simpson, I like what I saw.  Now for the hard part.  What kind of arrangements can we make?” Carter asked of Harry Simpson.
     
    Simpson named a price.  “If you want to rent, it will be six months up front.  If you would like to buy the house, any time within the first six months, I will apply what you’ve paid to the price.  After the six months, I’d have to re-evaluate the value.  Doctor Palmer, I’m a believer in the growth of Helena.  I think any property is going to increase in value as the town grows.  I think having a doctor here will be valuable.  I’ll make you an attractive price.”
     
    “I’ll accept your offer of six months,” Carter said.  At this time, my plans are unsettled.  If I stay, I will exercise the option to purchase.  I’ll have the six months’ rent this afternoon.  It has been a pleasure doing business with you sir.”
     
    “And with you.  Let’s celebrate with a drink, on the house.”
     
    At the bank…
     
    At the teller’s cage, Carter withdrew funds to cover the rent on the house.  As he started to leave, he was accosted by Cal Hawkins. 
     
    “Have you changed your mind regarding taking the property we discussed, Doctor?” Hawkins asked.
     
    “Yes I have.  I’m no longer interested in the building.  I’ve come across another property I like better and have made arrangements to rent it.”
     
    Disappointment flashed across the banker’s face reflecting the loss of an opportunity to make a clear profit on a non-income producing property.  He recovered quickly.  “I’m sorry we couldn’t