Chapter Seven

"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters

cannot be trusted with important matters."

~Albert Einstein

The next morning, Edmond Allen was at the stable preparing a horse for Revered Anderson when Tom Trevoy walked in.

"Where you off to, Reverend?" Trevoy asked.

"Heatherwood," the reverend answered. "Reverend Richey is under the weather and needs someone to lead Sunday services there. Robert and I attended seminary together and he sent a telegram asking for my help."

"You're gonna miss the Town Social tonight," Trevoy told the reverend.

Allen interjected before the reverend could answer. "There's a social tonight?"

Trevoy looked at Allen. "Yeah, I meant to tell you that we won't be serving tonight. The social will be held at the saloon. So, you have the evening off. Of course, you're welcome to attend the social."

Allen nodded his head once and turned back to placing the bridle on the horse.

Trevoy looked at the reverend and shook his head. The reverend shrugged his shoulders and continued their conversation. "I'd forgotten about the social. I hate to miss it but it can't be helped."

"So, Mrs. Montgomery will be leading Sunday services here on Sunday?" Trevoy inquired.

"Yes," the reverend replied, noting Trevoy's disapproving tone. "Mrs. Montgomery is more than capable of leading services. She's done a very good job for quite some time now."

Trevoy made a low grumbling noise. "I prefer your sermons, Reverend."

The reverend shook his head but chose not to argue the point with Trevoy. Instead, he turned to Allen. "So, young man, where do you call home?" he asked cheerily.

Allen flashed the revered a harsh look and curtly answered, "Wherever I hang my hat is home."

Trevoy offered, "Mr. Allen here tells me he hails from Back East."

Allen continued strapping the bridle and reins on the horse, ignoring the two men.

The reverend tried again. "Well, are you just passing through Coal Valley? Or do you plan to become a citizen of our proud community?"

This time Allen didn't even look at the reverend. "Just passing through," he mumbled as he finished tightening the girth. "Your horse is ready," he announced as he held out the reins to the reverend, though he still didn't look at him.

"Uh... thank you," the revered responded as he took the reins.

Without another word, Allen marched out of the livery as Trevoy and the reverend watched him. After Allen was out of earshot, the reverend turned to Trevoy and cautioned, "That man is troubled."

Trevoy nodded. "Maybe, but I think he just wants to earn some money and be on his way. Seen his kind before." He glanced back at the door through which Allen had just exited. "I don't think he'll be a problem. He just sticks to himself, anyway."

The reverend nodded, then turned and mounted the horse. "I should be back by midweek. Thanks for the horse, Tom."

Trevoy nodded. "Ride safe, reverend!"

The reverend made a brief kissing sound while prodding the horse with his boot. The horse took off with a lurch, jolting the reverend backwards in the saddle. The horse carried him very quickly out of the livery and onto Main Street. Trevoy peered through the door and saw two wagons swerve to avoid the reverend and his horse as they careened down Main Street before disappearing around a corner. Trevoy shook his head at the reverend's uncoordinated riding skills. "I hope he prays the whole way there!"