Eighteen days passed before Zack received a thick envelope from the War Department. Zack hoped Major Monroe had passed on his exact feelings and General Whitfield had gotten his message and found another man to head this project.

     Zack returned to his room and put the letter on the table and looked at it for several minutes as if his wishing would change what he was sure was inside. A few more minutes passed before he finally opened the envelope.

     What was inside mildly surprised Zack. There was a short hand written note.

          My Dear Mr. Morgan

     I must say your treatment of Major Monroe was satisfying to say the least. I wish I could have been there as a witness. I am just a bit disappointed though, I had hoped to be rid of the man for several months but there is a small project in southern New Mexico that will keep him busy for several weeks.

     I am assuming you have accepted the project. Enclosed you will find several letter of introduction, the main one being to the Bank of Montana in Great Falls. They will supply you with all the funding you should need.

     As you read this a select crew of men are gathering in Great Falls, they need only you to begin. They are well oiled hand picked team, the country’s finest in their field, I do believe you will agree. If for any reason you do not wish to employee a certain man or all of them feel free to replace them.

     Any supplies or other gear you may need will be available through any supplier you wish. In short Mr. Morgan you are in complete control. I wish you well with much luck. I do not expect to hear from you until you complete the project then a full report will be expected in my office within sixty days after completion.

Sincerely

Whitfield

General U. S. Army

     Zack was surprised at the openness of the General that he had to read the letter a second time then he read the letters of introduction. It was hard to believe but it looked as though he might enjoy this piece of work. He had always hoped for something like this but never believed it would come along and he would have an open hand to do as he pleased and the project had very deep pockets. Zack smile then laughed aloud and took a short glass of Scotch. At the lobby desk he sent word to Laredo and Charlie to come to his room.

     With time on his hand Zack began putting together what he would need on the trip to Great Falls. Charlie was in town and showed up within an hour but Laredo was at the sawmill and didn’t find his way to town until dusk.

     They were on the eastbound stage the following morning and rolled into Santa Fe on the second afternoon late in the day. A hot meal then a bath and a soft bed sounded good even to Charlie.

     The sun was a silvery-gold sliver on the eastern horizon when Zack, Charlie and Laredo dropped their bags on their boardwalk outside the Overland Stage Line Office. The coach was already there and all of them eyed it with interest. It was old, larger and heavier than the new coaches, this coach had been built for comfort not speed.

     Charlie was the one to voice all their thoughts. “I wonder why they set this old coach out here. Likely it’s been fifteen years since it was last used.”

     “I got no idea Charlie but at least the ride will be smoother.”

     It was then the driver came from the office. “Toss up your bags gentlemen and we’ll head on down the road.”

     Each man tossed up his baggage and the driver lashed them down.

     “Climb in and lets roll.” The driver moved onto the box as Zack and the others got in the coach each with a flour sack of fruits and cheeses plus a canteen, a man never knew when he might need something to eat or drink.

     Inside the coach the curtains were drawn and tied down to keep the heat and dust out. Each man found a seat enjoying the extra seating space. As their eyes adjusted they noticed they were not alone. A well dressed man and woman were seated on the rear seat in the far corner.

     Zack was first to notice them. He docked his hat out of respect to the lady. “Hello, we didn’t see you in the dark.”

      “Quite alright, it is rather early.”  The man replied. His accent was heavy and very much British. The lady only smiled.

     “This could be a long day with this coach.” Zack added.

     “I’m afraid that is our fault. When we arriver two days ago the Overland man noticed my wife’s exhausted condition from the rough ride. He informed us he had an older but much more comfortable coach that could take us on to Denver. Oh, I’m so sorry, I am Godfrey Needham and this is my wife Dianna.”

     The Overland manager opened the door and leaned in. “I assume all is well Lord Needham?”

     “Quite so, my good man.”

     “Excellent.” He closed the door and there was a yell from the driver then the coach rocked and they were off.

     “Lord Needham?” Zack asked.

     Lord Needham smile shyly. “Yes, I’m afraid so. My father passed on last year and I inherited the title. Most men of my station do not inherit so early. My father had some American holdings and after a year of a rather hectic life we decided to inspect my American properties. May I inquire as to whom we are traveling with?”

     Zack smiled. “Of course my name is Zachary Morgan, I’m a structural engineer and these two rough looking fellows are my friends and assistants. This wooly looking character is Charlie Whiskers and this gentleman is Laredo Morton.”

     Charlie docked his hat and nodded. Laredo also lifted his hat “Ma’am” he said softly.

     “If you don’t mind me asking Lord Needham, what are you inspecting next?” Zack asked more to fill in an awkward silence that was building.

     “Not at all, Mr. Morgan and please, I am still uncomfortable with my title in non-formal situations. Godfrey is my proper name. Being an engineer maybe you know something of mines.”

     Zack, Charlie and Laredo burst out laughing which caused confusing and embarrassment to show in Godfrey.  

     Zack seen Godfrey’s embarrassment and held out a hand. “We’re not laughing at you Godfrey it’s just that I spent fifteen years working the mines in South America and Mexico. At this point in my life I actively seek employment away from mines.”

     From that point the conversation was light and enjoyable. The day passed quickly with everyone taking part in the talk. A short break was taken in Las Vegas where Godfrey found a canteen, fruit, cheese and some meat for Dianna and himself.

     As they were boarding the driver told Laredo. “Our stop tonight is supposed to be the Hilton Ranch about sixteen miles north of here but we’re behind because of this coach. When dark sets in I’ll get out the poles and light the lanterns. Think you might want to ride the box with me then? About two miles out the road is going to get real rough. I could use an extra set of eyes.”

     “Sure, that’s not a problem. I’ll climb up when you stop to light the lanterns.”

     With the curtains tied down it was difficult to tell when the sun dipped below the Sangre Mountains but there was no problem telling when they came to the rough road the driver told Laredo about. It was a pleasant relief when the coach stopped.

     “I guess its dark enough to light the lanterns. I told the driver I’d ride the box with him from here on.”

     “Well then get on and shut the door behind ya.” Charlie jabbed and put a boot on Laredo’s backside and pushed as he was going out the door.

     “You sour old goat.” Laredo called back.

     “Awww shut the door and keep the dust off our little lady in here.”

     In a few minutes they were rolling again. The darkness seemed to make the road rougher because the holes, ruts and rocks were harder to see even with the light from the lanterns.

     Talk inside had slowed to a stop, the four were trying to find a comfortable spot to rest, it had been a long tiring day. When there came a loud crack and all of them in the coach were tossed violently to the left side. The coach came to an immediate halt.

     There was some moaning from the men and one surprised scream from Dianna. Efforts were being made to dislodge the pile of humanity. When the door was tossed open and a lantern filled the coach with light.  Dianna being the smallest was the luckiest; she had been on the far right of the coach and ended on top of everyone else.

     When everyone was out of the coach and inspected for injuries and found to be unharmed, they inspected the coach. The coach wasn’t as lucky; it had a broken axel which was terminal.

     Orville, the driver kicked the wheel. “I told Bert this coach was too old to make this run. Well we got several options. You folks can crawl inside and sleep as best you can and I’ll go on and be back in the morning with another coach. Or we can sit here and wait for another coach to come along tomorrow; there will be one in each direction. Or we can all take a horse and ride on to the Hilton Ranch. My best guess is we’re about eight miles from there.

     Dianna had the one vote that counted and all the men knew it and she didn’t hesitate. “Give me a horse. That can not be any worse then that coach ride.”

     Without saddles the ride was rough on Godfrey and Dianna who had never rode astride a horse. Two hours later they were all eating thick warm stew. Zack, Charlie and Laredo were able to bring their carpetbags with them but Dianna and Godfrey had to leave their trunks behind.

     The sun was well over the horizon the following morning when Zack and his team said their goodbyes to Godfrey and Dianna. They were mounted on horses and riding gear borrowed from the Hilton Ranch. The horses and gear would be returned tied to the rear of a southbound stage.  

     From Denver a quick trip to Great Falls would be five days if they made all their connections but that wasn’t likely. It was the sixth day after leaving Denver that they rolled into Great Falls in a cloud of dust.

     Giving the dust a chance to settle Zack pulled back the curtain and took a look at the city of Great Falls. It didn’t seem much different than Quincy, only the store names were different.

     With their baggage safely on the boardwalk the three stood and surveyed the town. The Glory Queen was the center piece of Great Falls. It looked to be a hotel, saloon, restaurant and barbershop all under one roof.

     “I see a shave and a bath.” Zack mumbled and turned to pick up his bags.

      A boy of maybe ten was standing next to their bags giving him, Laredo and Charlie a good look.

     “Would you be Mr. Morgan?” The boy shyly asked.

     Zack straightened his posture. “That I would and who might I have the pleasure of addressing?”

     The boy smiled. “I’m Tommy Harper. Jim Pappas gives me a quarter if I meet each stage and find out if you are on the stage. He’ll give me a silver dollar if I bring you to his tent yonder.” Tommy pointed to the north side of town.

     Zack smiled. “And I’ll match that dollar and add one more if you will take us there now then come back and take our bags to the hotel.”

     “Two dollars?” Tommy said excitedly. “Sure thing.”

     The walk was short only two blocks north to the edge of town. There were about twenty tents set up with men sitting and laying around. Zack’s presence in an expensive dark brown suit quickly drew attention. A low murmur ran through the camp quicker than they could walk. Near the center of the tents a large man sat in a chair outside the largest tent. As they approached the big tent a small cluster of men had gathered behind Zack and the others.

     The big man stood and grinned flipping a silver dollar to Tommy. Zack seen relief flood into his face. He extended a hand. “I hope you are Mr. Morgan.”

     Zack returned the smile and took the offered hand “I am and this is Laredo Morton and Charlie Whiskers. You must be Jim Pappas.”

     “Yes, I’ll be your lead surveyor.” Jim indicated the men that had gathered around. “These are my men most have been with me years. They’re a good crew I hope you like them.”

     “That remains to be seen. First off here is a letter of introduction to you from General Whitfield.” Zack removed the letter from his coat pocket and tossed Tommy a dollar too.

     Jim smiled and accepted the letter. “And I have one for you from the General.”

     Zack nodded. “Now that we have that out of the way; let’s get down to business. Charlie and Laredo and my right and left arms. I’ll expect you and your men to follow any orders they may give. Your roll here will be to direct the men and keep me apprised of everything that happens in the field. Supplies and equipment will also be your responsibility. How are we set in that area?”

     “It’s up to you but we could pull out tomorrow morning. We have all the equipment and supplies we need plus the horses and mules are ready to go.”

     “That’s good, we put the livestock under Laredo’s care. As for leaving in the morning, I’m not sure just yet. You and I need to see the manager at the Bank of Montana.”

     “That is no problem it is the only bank in town and he is expecting you. His name is Milo Waters and he’s kind of a stuffed shirt if you know what I mean.”

     Zack rubbed his jaw. “Oh Lordy, I thought all the stuffed shirts were in Chicago.”

     Jim added. “This one might have come from Chicago because he sure isn’t a local.”

     “Well, we might as well get it over with. Charlie, you and Laredo get us rooms and make sure there is enough hot water left for me.”

     Laredo grinned and waved as they headed back to town. “Sure thing boss but remember the last calf always gets the hind dry one.”

     Charlie called over his shoulder. “We’ll even save ya a cold beer.”

     This drew a laugh from the crowd of men standing around then they slowly began to follow Charlie and Laredo.

     “Charlie,” Zack called, “the first round is on me for all the men.”

     A loud cheer went up then it was a mad rush to town.

     Jim nodded his agreement. “You know men.”

     “And I know bankers, let’s go meet this one.”

     Milo Waters was a tall thin man with reading glasses low on his long nose. His long brown hair was thinning and he had the look of a nervous animal. As Jim and Zack entered the bank Mr. Waters seen them and stood.

     “Mr. Pappas this isn’t payday for your men so I wonder why you are here.” His voice had a slight nasal tone.

     Zack stepped forward. “Mr. Pappas is with me and from this point on if he wishes each day to be payday then it will be. Is that understood?”

     It took only seconds for Mr. Waters to regain his feet. “Oh and just who are you and with what authority do you speak?”

     Zack removed the letter of introduction from General Whitfield and gave it to Mr. Waters who read it quickly as he turned a pale in color and swallowed hard. “Yes sir, Mr. Morgan what is it I can do for you?”

     The next hour was very uncomfortable for Mr. Waters and very satisfying for Jim. When they left the bank Milo Waters was much deflated and the rules had changed greatly when it came to the handling of the federal account in the Bank of Montana.

     Over a late dinner that evening Zack, Charlie, Laredo and Jim discussed the upcoming project. After the plates were cleared away they went over the inventory lists and the roster of men and their duties. Finally they got down to the routes. Jim had figured there were three possibilities.