Chapter 9

Mary, still determined to carry on with her planned commitment had arrived in a town with a good population from the looks of things. A number of streets with lots of shops, and of course saloons. She was in the town of Winslow and was looking to see if the town had a school house or church. They had both. Mary was badly in need of food and rest but was completely out of funds. She wondered if the church would help her and made her way there.

It was actually quite a large church and on entering found just inside a holy water font. Mary noticed a few people scattered around the church as she made her way down the central aisle and sat in one of the pews. She knelt down on the hassock and put her head in her hands as if praying. Then sat back up. Mary couldn't remember having ever been inside a Catholic church and she found herself staring at the ornate statuary that lined the church and altar.

Father Phillip had watched Mary enter and allowed her some time to herself, before approaching her. He introduced himself. "Hello and welcome to our church, I'm Father Phillip"

Mary sat up and smiled, "I'm Erica Adams. How do you do Father."

"I haven't seen you before have I? I sense you are in trouble and I would very much like to help you if I can." The Father spoke with sincerity.

"Not in trouble Father, just fatigued. May I rest here awhile?" Mary asked. "I've been walking on and off for the last six weeks."

Not wishing to press her with further questions, Father Phillip said, "Of course. When did you last eat?"

"Yesterday morning, Father. I ran out of funds to purchase any more food."

"Then you must come along with me, Mrs Ramarez will look after you. She's my housekeeper."

"Thank you Father, I very much appreciate your kind help." She said, with much gratitude.

Father Phillip directed Erica to the Rectory where Mrs Ramarez welcomed her, fed her and led her to a guest bedroom where she could rest. Erica undressed and washed. She fell asleep the minute her head touched the pillow.

When she awoke she had forgotten for the moment where she was and sat up in a rush, then noticed the crucifix on the wall and remembered. What on earth was she going to say to Father Phillip. She had to think on this, not wanting to anger him in any way. Maybe there was something she could do for him in the way of recompense.

Not sure of where she was going, she managed to find her way to the kitchen where Mrs Ramarez was cooking breakfast.

"Good morning," she said. "I hope you rested well. Sit down and have some breakfast."

"You are very kind, but I don't deserve all this attention. I'm hoping there is something I can do in return for your goodness."

"I'll leave that in Father Phillip's hands. I'm sure he can find something for you to do. We always need help of some kind. Now eat." Mrs Ramarez gently said, placing a plate of bacon and eggs in front of Erica. She poured a cup of coffee for her too, then turned back to her chores leaving Erica to eat in peace.

…..

"I need your help Roy, with Mary Kelly." Adam said. "I want to find out information at the telegraph office and I need you to sanction it."

"Who is this Mary Kelly that you are so concerned about Adam," Roy Coffee asked.

"She is someone in trouble I believe and needs my help, whether she wants it or not."

Adam went on to explain how all of this came about. Then came the explanation of the letter he'd received.

"I received a letter from an anonymous source, with plans and a bank draft for $5,000 for the repair and extension of both our church and school house, plus a proviso that I draw up the plans and oversee the work. I can only think that it was Mary who did this, but why is what I don't understand. I know she made a stop in the telegraph office when we came to town that once, and I thought to start there. Now Roy, as this involves our town of Virginia City, then you are surely, as Sheriff, within your rights to gain any information you can about Mary Kelly. Right?"

"Well Adam, if it is she or not, then I would need to find out where this money came from and if it was stolen. Let's go."

"About three to four weeks ago, you say," said Bert, "Well now let me think. Mary Kelly you say."

"Yes," Adam said irritatingly. "A shortish blonde girl in a worn out dress. Do you remember her."

"Yes I remember her, nice face, friendly smile and very grateful for my time. It's the name I don't recall. Hold on and I'll look through my papers here."

"Friendly smile?" Said Adam arching his left eyebrow. "That is definitely wrong."

"It's not her then?" Roy asked.

Bert returned with a grin on his face.

"Here we are, I thought the name wasn't right. It's Mary Pearce."

"What!" Adam shouted, losing control. "Her name was a lie. If ever I get my hands on her again she is going to answer for all the trouble she's …..

"Ok Adam," Roy said, holding up his hand, stopping Adam's tirade. "Now what exactly did this Mary Pearce do here?"

"She asked me to send a telegram."

"Yes we already assumed that. What did it say?" Adam said, beginning to get nettled. This was like getting blood out of a stone.

"Sheriff, am I supposed to reveal what was in the telegram. I thought telegrams were private and the contents revealed to only the sender and receiver. And of course the telegraphist."

"Bert, I am the law around here and when I need information, I usually get it. Now do I have to resort to threats under the law regarding the contents of the telegram. I want to know now what was in it and who it was to."

Bert did not hesitate. "It was sent to a Mr Welles of the First New York Bank, New York. And it read: Send $5,000 to Mr Adam Cartwright, Ponderosa Ranch, Virginia City, Nevada. Write him with the idea for restructuring the church and school house and proviso that he draw up the plans and oversees the work." Bert finished with a deep breath having read the whole telegram without taking one.

"How did she pay for this telegram?" Adam asked.

"She told me she had just enough to pay for this very important telegram, and so she did."

"Well, I think I ought to reply to Mr Welles of the First New York Bank, New York, don't you. I need to find out more about Miss Mary Kelly/Pearce" Adam stated through gritted teeth.

"Now Adam, she can't be all bad, giving so generously as she did."

"I'll stay and telegraph Mr. Welles, Roy. Thanks for your support. I won't keep you any longer. I know you must have lots to do.

"I think it proves you right in the matter Adam. Good luck. Be seeing you Bert." Roy said as he left the telegraph office.

"Right, lets get this telegraph off and mark it very urgent. I'll stay in town until I receive a reply."

"OK" said Bert. "What would you like to say?