The Strangers

Prologue

From the minute Toby Weaver stepped off the stage, he couldn't believe his eyes. Hands on his hips, he scanned the sleepy pioneer town of Walnut Grove the other and wondered why he was here in the first place.

"Ahem."

Reacting to the sound, Toby smiled; releasing his arms and letting them fall to his side. Shaking his head, he extended his left arm to help his sister, Emma, off the stage. He admired her as she descended from the coach and looked around, the same as he had.

The only difference between them was that she frowned instead of smiled.

"You sure about this?" she asked.

Toby smiled back. "Of course I am, my dear sister," he answered, knowing that it would irritate her further. "We talked about this at length. It was your idea after all."

Emma shook her head. "Yes, and I can't believe you agreed to it." She looked around again. "What do you think you can accomplish?"

Toby smiled. "Well, the first thing we need to accomplish is to find that boarding house we've heard so much about. This is where we need to start."

"Do you think that could be what we're looking for?" Emma pointed to a big house on a small rise.

Toby followed her finger. The house was not that far off; guessing it to be a two or three minute walk from where they were standing at the moment. It was easy enough to spot since it stood alone; not another house could be seen in the surrounding area.

Toby did see something in the distance though. He could make out a woman with a bundle in her hand; it looked as if it was a baby, but he couldn't be sure.

Toby smiled. It was perfect for him, as his sister, especially if that the woman he was looking for, but he wasn't sure now. Didn't she have a husband? He was sure that she…

"Is there something I can help you with?" he heard a voice, a female voice, breaking up his thoughts. "You look lost.''

Toby shook his head to clear it. He turned around to face a pudgy, but handsome middle aged woman. She spoke and held herself well. He wondered if this was Harriet Oleson; part owner of Oleson's Mercantile along with her husband, Nels; whom they had heard so much about.

"I'm actually looking for the Wilder Boardinghouse, madam," Toby answered, smiling. Ï was hoping that you'd be able to point that out?"

The woman looked at Emma and then back to him. "If you and your wife need a place to stay, we have the perfect hotel right over there," she said pointing to her left. "It's right in town and it's so much closer than the boarding house."

"Well," Toby smiled. "Right now I need to know where the boarding house is. I'm looking for a few people, all are very important to me and my sister here. Once I secure that information, I just might consider your offer. May I ask your name, madam?"

Smiling, she gestured to the building in back of her. "As the name on the sign says, I'm Harriet Oleson, part owner of the famous Oleson's Mercantile? Why, I'm sure you've heard of us."

Toby nodded. "Indeed I have, madam," he answered. "Why, the minute that stage rumbled past your mercantile, I believe that was the first time that I've ever seen it in person."

Mrs. Oleson's smile suddenly melted into a slight frown. She wasn't sure what to make of Mr. Weaver's remark.

"Thank you, Mr. Weaver," she said. "Well, if you'd like to register at the hotel, you can…"

"You still haven't answered my brother's question," Emma said, "We need to know where that boarding house is. Then we will decide if we will be staying at your hotel."

"But we are hungry, Mrs. Oleson," Toby added. "Hopefully, the restaurant across the street will provide us with some sustenance. How good of a cook is this "Caroline" person?"

XXXXXXXXXX

"The stage just came in, Jeb," Josephine Talbot told her husband. He wasn't paying attention; he had been reading a well-worn copy of Plato's Republic. He closed the book and turned to look at her.

"Did you see them?" he asked, turning to face her.

Josephine shook her head. "I'm not sure, but there is a couple talking with Mrs. Oleson . They're still there." She pointed as Jeb turned in his seat on the wrap around porch of the boarding house to face the town. His gaze followed her finger, narrowing his eyes so he could get a clearer look.

"You're right, Josie," he said, smiling, turning back to face her. "There are two people speaking to Harriet Oleson. I can't make out who they are, though. "

"We'll find out soon enough, Jedidiah," Josephine said, shivering. "It's getting colder out here, Jeb. I'm heading indoors. Laura should have some nice hot peppermint tea and her wonderful scones waiting for us."

Her husband nodded. "Cool out here for the first week of May. I don't remember it ever being this cool."

He stood up and helped his wife. Together they headed for the door of the boarding house.