Grantville Gazette.Volume XVI Page 9

  Thirty minutes later, after a shower, shave, and a change of clothes, Arlen came back to the main reception area. "Thanks, Mary Pat. That sure makes my morning! How are Michael and Friedrich doing?"

  "Their prognosis looks good. Thad did a great job on the initial response. Walt and Frieda will be returning with you but Thad and Susan are planning to stay over an extra day or two to help the families. You might want to go get Mike and Martin and get the Goose ready for your return trip. The half of town that wasn't celebrating with you boys last night left two hours ago to start clearing the tracks."

  "Any idea where my best man and my conductor might be hiding?"

  "Try the lounge. Mike came in an hour before you, got cleaned up, said something about 'needing to drive,' and curled up on an old sofa in there. His snores have been shaking the walls since then. Martin came in late in the evening. He got a good night's sleep and left about the time Mike arrived. He said something about getting the Goose turned around and ready for the return trip this morning."

  "I'll take you up on that offer of coffee. Two cups, black, please, so I can get Sleeping Beauty in there moving. I've got a wedding to get to."

  "Coming right up! I'll meet you in the lounge with them."

  After their morning coffee roused them a little, Mike and Arlen went to see the patients. Walt and Frieda were in the room when Arlen and Mike arrived. The families crowded around to thank them again for helping save their loved ones. Pleading the pressing urgency to get back for the wedding, Mike and Arlen gathered up Walt and Frieda, took their leave and headed for the station. The ten minute walk in the brisk morning did as much as the coffee to wake them up.

  "I must have sipped that same beer for two hours last night. I'm tired but not hung over," said Mike, disgustingly clear eyed.

  Arlen groaned holding his head. "I wasn't so lucky. Everyone kept insisting on buying a round for the hero and groom. If I don't see another stein of beer, it will be to soon."

  "You can sleep it off on the ride back. With a little luck, the anesthesia won't have worn off before Mimi kills you for missing the wedding."

  When they reached the station, the stationmaster said, "The Goose is all preened, fueled, and ready to go. Herr Erlanger took care of that when he showed it to Count von Sommersburg last night."

  At the mention of the Count's name, Arlen swung around, "Who did you say was here?!"

  "Count von Sommersburg. He was here for a meeting with some engineers at the University and he was all over the Goose with Herr Erlanger after you left yesterday. He gave strict orders that everything possible be done to get you back to Grantville in time. The tracks should be clear by inside the hour. Your track crew will go back on the regular freight tomorrow. Herr Erlanger is with the Goose now."

  Arlen went to smack himself on the forehead but thought better of it, "How could I let a chance like that to promote the Goose slip by?"

  "Don't worry, Herr Goss. There were a lot of telegraph messages going north after he was done last night to someone very important. The count looked very pleased when he left. I think Herr Erlanger did a very good job. He seemed very pleased too, when he left."

  "Wait and see, Arlen. I think the run we made was promotion enough. Martin's tour may be the clincher. He knows the Goose as well as you do."

  "I hope you're right." The previous day's adventures and the evening's festivities were starting to tell on Arlen. He looked like a feather could knock him over. With a visible shake, he cleared his mind to organize his thoughts and changed the subject. "You said we have about an hour yet until the tracks are cleared?"

  " Ja. The crew has a portable telegraph with them and they've sent back reports on their progress. Everything is going smoothly."

  Walt interrupted. "Frieda and I have to secure some gear we left with the ambulance. We'll go get that and be back in half an hour."

  Mike and Arlen were left standing on the platform with the stationmaster. The quiet was then broken by a noisy rumble. After a few seconds, Arlen asked, "Anyplace a person could get a light breakfast nearby?"

  "I live here above the station. Meine Frau would be happy to fix you gentlemen breakfast. We serve food for any passenger the train might have when it stops and we feed the crews. Herr Erlanger ate earlier. Just follow me!" Hurrying inside and up the stairs he yelled, "Gertrude! I need two more breakfasts for Herren Goss and Lund. Macht schnell, bitte!"

  Gertrude came into the common room twenty minutes later beaming and carrying an armload of dishes heaped with eggs, bread, and sausage, and two beers in her free hand.

  "You eat! You have a big day ahead!"

  "And hopefully a bigger night," quipped Mike.

  Mike and Arlen set to with an unexpected gusto. Sixteen hours between meals required some serious eating. As they mopped up the last of the eggs with bread slices, Arlen asked, "How much do we owe?"

  " Nein, nein! The railroad will cover for your help."

  " Danke, Frau Schimmel! That's the best wedding breakfast a person could hope for." As they pushed away from the table, Mike glanced out the window. Martin had the Goose parked in front of the station warming up, shining like a new silver dollar in the early morning sun. Walt, Frieda, and Martin were already waiting in the passenger compartment.

  Mike got an ice cold splash of water down his back from an icicle hanging from the station's overhang. He let out a yelp when it landed. "Hey, Arlen, the sun's out. Maybe we can get back in time!"

  The stationmaster came running up and gave Arlen his train orders. "Must not forget these!"

  All the orders said was, "Highball it! Signed, Curtis."

  "I think she's anxious, Arlen."

  "No kidding. Let's go!"

  They climbed into the Goose, Mike hit the horn and headed for Grantville. As they approached the cuts outside of town, Mike sounded the horn again. A cheer greeted them as they reached the first cut. A group of shovelers was returning from further up the track with shovels over their shoulders. The students in the group were singing a bawdy song and Arlen blushed beet red when he finally caught what the song said. Mike slowed down and rolled down the window as the track boss came up to the Goose.

  "All clear to Rudolstadt. Just watch this last group. After them, you're clear."

  "Okay, tell everyone thanks. I'll get him there on time." Mike rolled up the window and with a strident aahhOOOOgah, the Goose continued its journey. While Mike ran the Goose, Arlen talked to Martin about the meeting with the count.

  "He wanted to know everything we have planned. He was especially interested in the plans for a steam-powered Goose. I told him that the Steam Engine Company should have the new steam design ready by the time we move to the new shop in Saalfeld. He also wanted to know if we could make the carbody larger. Something about living quarters during campaigns. I told him the new steam design should be able to handle that. I've already drawn plans up as you asked."

  Arlen sat there for a minute and digested the information. "It sounds like we've got someone very interested. When I get back after the honeymoon, we'll start building the new steam power plant prototype. Right now, I need some shut eye." He got up and headed back to the empty seat next to Mike. Inside a minute, he was asleep.

  The ride back was through a winter wonderland. The trees were all draped in a thick blanket of snowy boughs and the countryside sparkled with its clean white coat. There was some light drifting, but the plow blew through it, leaving silver clouds of snow. The sun had some warmth to it and was already starting to melt the early snowfall. As they rolled along, Mike had a chance to watch the scenery more than he had the day before. The tree branches were hanging low with all the snow that had fallen. "Looks like the AT amp;L linemen will be busy the next few days repairing wire." The only comment he got from Arlen was a change in the timbre of his snoring. Mike settled in to make sure he got back to Grantville in time.

  The wedding was scheduled to start at one in the afternoon. The Goose arrived in Grantville at a quarter to twel
ve.

  The cheers were deafening as everyone got out. Martin got the keys, and told them he would bed the Goose down. Ed Piazza, Frank Jackson and Dr. Nichols headed the reception committee.

  Frank pulled Arlen aside, "The truck will get you to your folk's house so you can clean up and change and then it'll take you to the church. Mr. Piazza and I will see you later at the reception. Good job!" With a solid pat on the shoulder, he propelled Arlen towards the truck with Mike Lund following close behind.

  The next hour went by in a haze, but at five minutes to one, Arlen and Mike were delivered by their driver to the front door of The Church of Christ. Pastor Curtis came out to chivy them inside. "Are you all set? Got the ring?" he asked.

  Mike's face looked like he'd been struck by club. Arlen choked and turned white, "After all the warnings!" He was hardly able to get the words out.

  Mike laughed. "Gotcha! I told you about paybacks. I've got them right here." He pulled the matched rings from his pocket.

  The church was packed Then the music started. Dee was first through the door in her peach-colored bridesmaid outfit. After she reached the front of the church, she smiled at Mike, turned to the other side of the altar and took her place.

  Then the "Wedding March" began. Mimi entered. She had on her mother's white silk wedding dress. She had added a knitted white shawl that Antanette Tranis had made especially for the occasion. Antanette had recently arrived with her family from Lithuania. Her husband was one of the machinists at Vulcan. Arlen's heart felt ready to burst; the soft colored glow from the stained glass windows only enhanced the glow from Mimi. The pride and love in her eyes told him everything was right with the world.

  Afterward, Arlen swore that was all he saw until Rev. Curtis said, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Arlen and Mimi Goss. You may kiss the bride!"

  As they started to walk down the aisle, the organist started to play the recessional march. As they reached the front doors, Mike turned to Dee, "What's that tune?"

  "It's something one of the Stone boys suggested. Mimi and I had him play it for us and it sounded very good. Some march from Ralph Bakshi's movie Lord of the Rings."

  The crowd started to file by, Frank Jackson shook Dee's hand. "Good choice of music, gets the crowd out quickly!" Chuckling, he congratulated Arlen and turned to Mimi, "Good man you've got there. He's really going places!"

  Hugh Lowe was next and also added his well wishes. "See me after the reception!"

  Later that evening as the reception was winding down and the presents were being readied for opening, Frank Jackson, Ed Piazza, and Hugh Lowe took Arlen aside. "You sure showed what that Goose can do," said Hugh. Frank and Ed nodded agreement and grinned. "Mr. Jackson here approached me last night after you got to Jena with some questions and this morning, Ed here brought me a message from the Transportation Minister. Count von Sommersburg wants a special Goose for Gustavus. It was a good thing that message came in Morse code. Ed almost died laughing when the radio operated finished translating. Can you believe it? Just like one of the old rail baron's palaces on wheels. He said he needs something comfortable and regal to get him quickly around in all types of weather."

  Ed started to chuckle. "Once word gets out that Gustavus has a private railbus, I'll bet that every nobleman will want one, too!" A light seemed to go off for Ed. "Every politician, too, once campaigning starts. The old whistle-stop politicking will return! Arlen, I'll bet even Wettin gets with you after you get back from your honeymoon."

  Arlen reached for a chair and dropped into it. "We may have to scrounge walnut for the bodies and old trucks for the frames, but we'll do it!" The rest of the conversation was lost as Mimi tossed her bouquet. Ed Piazza, Frank, and Hugh offered a toast, "To Arlen and Mimi Goss, a long, happy and fruitful marriage." Ed Piazza gave Arlen a mischievous wink, and took a drink.

  With visions of the future, Arlen kissed the bride and whispered, "And to the Goose, the founder of our future!"

  ***

  Sure Thing

  Kerryn Offord

  Sunrise, Monday, March 13, 1634,

  Magdeburg

  Elisabetha Schmelzer was sure the shadow walking behind her was a man, and that he was following her. Every time she stopped, he stopped as well. She wasn't quite ready to panic just yet, but a woman alone in this area at this early hour of the morning wasn't safe. She loosened the knife she kept in her sash, and considered her options. Around the next corner, if she put on a quick burst of speed, she should be able to get to the alleyway before whoever was following turned the corner. If she could hide in the shadows, then maybe she could lose him.

  She stepped round the corner, and then ran as quietly as she could for the alley. Once there she crouched in the shadow of a doorway, her knife ready.

  Elisabetha was tempted to poke her head out to see if she could see her follower. No, it's safer to wait. I'd surely hear him if he comes down here. She settled down to wait.

  ***

  The movement and rustle just about caused Elisabetha to jump out of her skin. But it was only a black kitten playing with a bit of colored paper. Elisabetha grinned. Then she concentrated on the piece of paper. It looked like a banknote. She leapt to her feet. Well, she would have if her right leg hadn't fallen asleep. Instead she lurched to her feet, making a noise as she did so. The kitten took fright and was off in a flash.

  Elisabetha picked up the piece of paper. It was a bank note. A ten dollar note. Then she saw the other zero. A hundred dollars. That's nearly a week's wages at the laundry. She searched the alleyway just in case the owner was looking for it. There was nobody. So she wiped the note as clean as she could and put it in her purse. She looked around to see if she could see the kitten who had found her this prize, but it was long gone.

  The sun was getting higher in the sky and more people were on the streets, so Elisabetha stepped out of the alley and continued on her way home. She needed to buy food for the day and then she needed to get some sleep. The nightshift at the laundry paid well, but it was exhausting work.

  ***

  Johann Roeloffse sat at his usual table in the cafe just down the road. Whenever Elisabetha had a spare dollar she bought a number in the lottery from him. She adjusted her shopping bags and felt in her purse. The coins didn't add up to enough for a ticket, but she did have the banknote she'd found earlier. Feeling lucky, she walked over to Johann with the banknote ready. "Could I buy a number for today's draw, please?"

  Johann smiled and pulled out his policy book. "Of course you can, Elisabetha." Then he saw the note in Elisabetha's hand. "A one hundred dollar note? Elisabetha, what've you been up to?"

  "I found it," Elisabetha protested. She was pretty sure she knew what Johann thought she had been up to. There weren't that many things a girl could do that would result in being paid with a one hundred dollar note. "Honestly. I was walking home from work when I thought I was being followed. So I slipped into an alleyway and hid. A kitten was playing with it. Look. You can see when he chewed on it."

  Johann examined the note. "I don't suppose you have anything smaller? I don't have that much change." A sneaky grin appeared on Johann's face. "Hey, why not buy a hundred tickets? It's not as if they'll cost you anything. It's all found money."

  Elisabetha shook her head. "It's the smallest I have, sorry. And it might be found money, but there are other things I want to buy."

  "Well, what about fifty tickets? I can give you fifty dollars in change. Go on, girl. Think what you could do with your winnings."

  "I don't know. Fifty dollars is a lot of money to gamble."

  "Sure it is, but it's not your money. It's found money, so you're not really gambling. Go on, Elisabetha, take a risk."

  Elisabetha sighed. "Oh, very well. Fifty tickets, please."

  Johann opened his policy book and got his pencil ready. "You won't be sorry. What numbers do you want then?"

  Elisabetha looked around searching for inspiration. The only number she c
ould see was the date on the paper Johann had been reading.

  "Thirteen."

  Johann wrote out the first ticket. "Right, 'thirteen.' Only forty-nine to go."

  "No, I mean, thirteen is the number I want."

  "What?"

  "I want fifty tickets made out to the number thirteen. I can do that, can't I?"

  Johann nodded vigorously. "Yes. Sure you can, and think of the money if you win. Seven hundred dollars fifty times, that's…"

  "Thirty-five thousand dollars," Elisabetha supplied.

  "Yeah, thirty-five thousand dollars." Johann quickly wrote out the tickets and passed them and fifty dollars in one, five and ten dollar notes. "Don't spend it all in one place."

  Tuesday morning March 16, 1634,

  Karickhoff's Gym, Magdeburg

  Wilhelm Koch walked into Tommy Karickhoff's office. Tommy sat behind a massive desk, leaning back in his chair. "Herr Karickhoff, I have the results from Monday's lottery. The winning number was zero-one-three… "

  "Hey, I like it. Not many people like the leading zeros. How did we do?"

  Wilhelm buried his face behind his papers. "Sales for Monday were eighteen thousand six hundred and twenty-three tickets. Our gross income was eighteen thousand six hundred and twenty-three dollars. Less commissions that is seventeen thousand six hundred and ninety-one dollars and eighty-five cents."

  "Wilhelm, just cut to the chase. How many tickets won and how much profit did we make."

  The papers rustled in Wilhelm's nervous hands. He poked his head over the top of them. "Normally we would expect between fifteen and twenty winners on sales of that size…"

  "Come on Wilhelm. We don't have all day. How many winning tickets were there? From the way you're carrying on I assume there were more than expected."