Rivers of Gold by Tracie Peterson Page B

sled. It was of little use to him. Come spring he’d simply hire someone to pack him out to the cabin on horseback.
    “We’re heading out to Hunker Creek,” the big man told him. “Have a friend with a claim there. This is certainly going to be an answer to prayer.”
    “Well, here we are, gentlemen,” Teddy said, stopping behind a small storage shed. The alleyway behind the hotel was covered in undisturbed snow and the wind had blown drifts across the doors to the shed. Teddy used his booted foot to push aside a good portion of the drift before pulling a key from his pants pocket.
    “This should do the trick,” he said, unlocking the shed. Dim light filtered into the confines of the dark storage room. A variety of supplies and other articles were stacked atop each other. Teddy’s sled was just inside, due to the fact they’d only just arrived.
    The big man pulled the sled out into the alleyway and nodded. “It’s a fine, sturdy piece,” he commented, looking it over for any defect.
    Teddy pulled out his pocket watch and popped open the cover. It was nearly lunchtime. How had he managed to waste half a day? He began to make a mental calculation of his morning activities, not clearly hearing what the big man told him.
    “If that meets with your approval.”
    “What?” Teddy questioned. “I’m afraid I was a bit adrift.”
    The big man laughed. “No problem. I merely said the sled is worth a good portion of meat. I’ll bring it by here right away. Can you meet us here in an hour and make the trade?”
    “Certainly,” Teddy replied.
    He waited until the men had headed off at a trotting pace before wrestling the sled back into the shed. He fiddled around with the lock, finally mastering it. Securing the door before heading back around the side of the hotel, Teddy considered what he should do now. The day was clearly getting away from him and he still had to come back to deal with the man who wanted his sled. He might as well purchase the supplies and then head back to the hotel for a bite of lunch. It would no doubt be time to meet the man after that. After he squared things away with the sled, he could certainly set about organizing his work.
    Once again he crossed the street, anxious to purchase his supplies and get back to his room. There was a great deal of work yet to be done, work that would no doubt keep him busy until spring.
    “Teddy Davenport, is that you?” an older man called as Teddy once again approached the hardware store.
    Teddy looked up and met the approaching man somewhat apprehensively. “Lawrence Montgomery?” The man’s face was buried behind a thick fur cap.
    “That’s right. I say, what are you about this day?”
    “I was going to purchase some supplies. I’m working rather diligently to catalog my newest findings.”
    “Still working on the book, eh?”
    Teddy nodded. “Most assuredly.”
    “Well, that’s fine. Just fine. Say, you wouldn’t be interested in having a spot of lunch with me, would you?”
    “I shouldn’t. I truly have a great deal of work to do.” Teddy had never really cared for Montgomery’s company. They had little in common, save England. Montgomery had been a member of Her Majesty’s Navy and he never failed to bore Teddy with tedious stories of life aboard ship. Teddy wouldn’t have minded hearing about the foreign ports, but Montgomery was far more consumed with naval life than the scenery he’d experienced.
    “Just a cup of tea, then?”
    Teddy knew the man was lonely for company, but he really didn’t want to lose anymore time. “Perhaps we could meet later today. I simply must get back to work at this time.”
    “Then it will have to be another day,” Montgomery said, “for I’m off to meet with the Arctic Brotherhood after lunch. We’re discussing the possibility of building a new hall. You really should join us.”
    “Perhaps at the next meeting,” Teddy promised. He knew the organization to be one of good charity and good