Rivers West by Louis L’Amour

grandfather’s place.
    â€œHelen,” Miss Majoribanks’ features were stiff, “I’m afraid you misunderstand. Mr. Daniel is…I mean he’s not…”
    â€œA gentleman?” I suggested. “Isn’t that a matter of opinion, Miss Majoribanks? Have you ever found me to be otherwise?”
    Her cheeks were flushed. Obviously embarrassed, she said, “I mean…I did not
invite
you here. This is the home of a friend. I cannot presume to—”
    â€œInvite a laborer? A man who works with his hands?”
    I held out my hands to Helen. “Are they so bad, these hands?” I smiled at her. “Is it so bad to shape wood, to build?”
    She took my hands, laughing. “Why, they’re wonderful hands! And so
strong
-looking! They make me shiver.”
    Miss Majoribanks’ lips tightened a little. “I’m sorry. Had it been my home I—”
    Helen held my right hand by the fingers and led me to the table. “Sit here. Please do! Daisy, Mr. Daniel is a big man, and I’m sure he’s very hungry.”
    It was a pleasure to sit at such a table again. Yet despite its richness, it lacked a little something one might have found in my grandfather’s home.
    â€œAre you staying in Pittsburgh long, Mr. Daniel?”
    â€œThat depends.” The coffee was strong and hot. “I came here hoping to build boats. Perhaps to build one for myself for trade on the western waters. But certain things have happened…that’s the reason I came here this morning. I had to speak to Miss Majoribanks.”
    â€œTo Tabitha?”
    It was the first time I had heard her name. Tabitha Majoribanks. I couldn’t decide whether I liked it or not.
    â€œIs it personal? Must I leave?”
    â€œNo, no, it’s business.” I put down my cup. “Miss Majoribanks, if you will permit me. I understand you have bought the steamboat
Western Engineer
?”
    â€œYes, I have. It was going for a very reasonable price, and it seemed much the simplest and easiest way to go west.”
    â€œI’m sure it is. You have a crew?”
    â€œOf course. Colonel…I mean Captain Macklem has taken care of all that. He’s very efficient.”
    â€œAnd so handsome!” Helen exclaimed.
    I paused, not sure how to proceed. Tabitha Majoribanks looked at me expectantly. “This Colonel Macklem,” I said, “is the man who killed Sam Purdy.”
    â€œWho had first attacked Colonel Macklem.”
    â€œNo doubt. I was thinking of the manner of it. Also, he was on the road in Maine when Foulsham, the young British officer, was killed.”
    Tabitha Majoribanks knew where the conversation was going now, and her eyes were chilly. “And you, Mr. Daniel? Were you not on that road also?”
    â€œYes. I was. But Foulsham was alive when I found him.”
    â€œAnd did he accuse Colonel Macklem?” Her tone was cold.
    â€œNo, but—”
    She stood up. “Mr. Daniel, I have no idea what you hoped to gain by coming here, nor what you wish me to believe. But if you are jealous of—”
    â€œJealous?” I remained seated. “And why should I be jealous? What reason could I possibly have?”
    Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes narrowed to pinpoints. Oh, she had a fine anger, this Tabitha Majoribanks! And when angry she was remarkably handsome, too. Beautiful was not quite the word at the moment.
    I got up then, and before she could speak, I said quietly, “You believe your brother has come upon something important to your country. Mr. Foulsham was pursuing a man, or at least investigating one, who had betrayed his country, a notorious adventurer.
    â€œAt this moment, a certain Torville is recruiting all the riffraff he can find, with a view, we believe, to seizing the Louisiana Territory. Colonel Macklem, with a considerable group of riffraff, is now going aboard your steamer. If your boat is the easiest way