And the greatest of these is Love
Chapter 9
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Everything had gone wrong for Jake, so he made sure he reported to the judge on time. He hated to leave his wife at the hospital, but he knew her parents would be there for her.
He was scared to be a father, not knowing how to adequately support his wife, even nevertheless a baby, and didn't want to face the responsibility. Being a young husband, he had turned to alcohol instead of his wife. Never having drunk much before, he didn't realize he was becoming addicted. Last night at the bar, when he lost a game of poker, he pushed the table knocking off the cards and spilling glasses of beer all over the other players and floor. That set off a chain of punches and yelling followed by arrests. Jake, being the instigator, was charged with disorderly conduct and intoxication. Now he had to face the consequences.
Judge Harley was well-known for his tough decisions and low tolerance for bar fights. When Jake stood before him, he heard Constable Walker's explanation of what had transpired the night before. The charges against Jake were undeniable with the owner of the saloon and the other men who witnessed the fight firsthand, Jake knew now was not the time to plead innocent. The judge listened to Jake and found that this young man was guilty but what he needed was guidance not just punishment.
Judge Harley didn't want to see Jake waste his life or see him back in his court again, and knowing he didn't have any money to pay a fine, he instead sent him to work at the prison away from the town as a janitor so he could see first-hand life in prison. Hoping this would teach him a lesson as to why he needed to change his attitude, his sentence was for 3 months. He would get a minimum pay for his work, but after that he would be free to find himself a new job.
Jake knew that he was given a second chance but though he would miss out on the job opportunities in Hope Valley. In reality, he did get a job working for Gowen Oil and that's when they attended the town meeting and Violet offered her services for the Infirmary.
What had started to be a terrible beginning of a marriage turned around. While Jake was at the prison, Violet stayed in Clearwater with her parents after her miscarriage. She continued on with her studies and was just short a semester from completing her midwife's certification, when Jake was released from his sentence working at the prison.
Prison life had proved to be quite an eye-opener for Jake and scared him enough to never want to do wrong again, just what the wise Judge Harley had in mind. No one knew that he'd also learn to depend on God while in prison. The chaplain was a good soul who took Jake under his wing. They'd talk for hours during those long nights when Jake was alone. It all started when Jake saw one of the men going to his death. He had heard the wailing the night before that echoed throughout the prison and it kept him awake. The misery in that prisoner's cry sent shivers throughout his body. Trying to cover his head with a pillow and shutting his door didn't help. The chaplain, Pastor Lewis was with him and listening to his confession and begging God for mercy. The following day there was a haunting silence in the prison. Jake asked Pastor if he thought that that man that was put to death was in hell.
"Son, I'm not God, nor am I that man's judge, only God is. But, I can tell you that he listened to me talk about God's love and mercy. He confessed his sins to God and to me and repented. He wailed all night. I prayed with him and asked him if he was ready to meet his Master. He bowed his head and told me he was. When he was taken away, I still saw tears. My hope is that he was truly sorry for his sins and not just scared. Hopefully, I'll see him in heaven some day and can give him a hug."
Jake sat in silence and took all of what he had just heard to heart. "Pastor, I've never gone to church, and I've done some foolish things. I don't want to wind up like that. Can you help me?"
Pastor Lewis smiled, "I thought you'd never ask."
So, when Jake was released, he came home to Violet, a new person. She hadn't seen him in those 3 months and missed him and was loved the new Jake who had become an honorable man. Jake had started out himself working for Henry and living in the tent city, but when there was a row house available, he was able to bring Violet to finally live with him. Her parents recognized the change in him too and finally felt good about the two of them as a couple when they left for Hope Valley.
Today, Violet felt happy as she knocked on the door of the infirmary. Molly opened the door and welcomed her inside, "Dr. Faith and Dr. Carson are both ready to see you. Please wait here and I'll let them know."
Faith and Carson took Violet to their office where she sat down and shared her story, "I really want to finish my studies as a midwife, but that means going to Clearwater for my last semester. However, I am qualified to be a Douala so maybe you might be able to use my service?"
Faith asked, "Violet, your last semester is basically a review and internship, right?"
"Yes.
"I have a thought about that. Perhaps your professor, Dr. Margaret Campbell, would allow us to review with you about pregnancy and the birthing process so you would be able to be certified soon. Your internship would be here, so what do you think? Would that work for you if I contact Dr. Campbell?" Faith asked.
Violet eyes lit up and a huge grin gave way as she nodded, "Yes, yes of course that is perfectly all right with me!"
Faith and Carson laughed. "Great, let's not leave you on pins and needles, I'll call her right now." Faith opened the office door and asked Molly to place the call to Clearwater Hospital and ask for Dr. Campbell. When Dr. Campbell came on the line, Molly transferred the call to the doctor's office. Faith took it from there, "Hello Dr. Campbell, it's good to talk with you..."
Just as expected, Faith was allowed to complete her studies with the Shepherds. Violet wanted to hug them both, she was so happy. "Great, when can I start?"
Faith smiled, "We have two pregnant mothers who both need to be seen. I will be here to show you what I expect. Tomorrow is Mrs. O'Neill's appointment. Let me grab her file and we can go over it now. First though, let's find you a white doctor coat and hair net."
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Nathan was alerted with a telephone call from Headquarters that there was an ongoing train robbery on the route from Calgary west. He told Andy and Gunther what was happening.
"Andy, I want you to stay here in town but go down to the Judge's office and let Bill know where I'm going. I'm taking Gunther with to Kamloops station to meet several other Mounties there. We plan on overtaking the train."
"Yes sir, Sargent, you can count on me," Andy stood at attention. He was relieved he didn't have to go with, but he didn't act like it.
"Gunther, we're going to drive down there as quickly as we can in hopes of making it there before the train arrives. Let's go!" Nathan commanded.
The train was still on route with passengers on board, but they were not stopping. When the train flew through their stop at the Banff station the engineer flashed his lights as a signal. The station master called the NWMP right away and alerted them.
Apparently, the robbers had control of the train with one of the gang members in each car and one with the engineer with the conductor tied up and a rag stuffed in his mouth. Several of the gang members held guns to the heads of anyone who tried to outmaneuver them, warning them with shooting bullets over the heads of passengers to intimidate them. Anyone who had a suitcase under their seat was demanded to open it with their key if it was locked. The passengers watched in terror as the gang stole all their jewelry and valuables, anything that they thought would get them cash. Meanwhile the ring leader, Harvey Bailey, attempted to force the engineer to reveal which express car was carrying the cash.
The engineer, Charlie Ashton only had his treasured father's gold pocket watch on him and Bailey ripped it out of his pocket sneering at him, "You better tell me right now, where the cash is or you'll never see this watch again," he snickered as he swung it in front of Charlie.
Charlie's face was red with anger and worry. He didn't want to reach for the gun he had tucked on the side of his seat ever since he hid it there when he heard about the robberies happening lately. Never wanting to practice, Charlie was ever the innocent man who had refused to even hunt with his pals. All he knew was that his gun was loaded and ready. His heart was pounding as he knew he was responsible for the safety of his passengers, What to do?
"Well, Mr. Engineer, are you going to tell me or should I keep this watch?" Bailey threatened as he spit on the floor.
"You're going to have to shoot me first before I tell you anything!" Charlie answered scared he'd take him up on it.
Bailey laughed hysterically. Slamming his feet on the floor and slapping his lap, he taunted him again, "Now why would I kill you?" as he held the gun below Charlie's chin.
Charlie's chin was quivering as he waited for the gun to go off. He could hardly breathe. "Lord, have mercy," he muttered under his breath.
Bailey just held it there for a long minute, then snatched it away. "If I kill you, who's going to drive this train? Hmm, I'm no dummy. But, I could blow your leg out. So, what do you say now?"
"I say nothing. There is no cash on the train. None, I tell you!" Charlie tried to sound authoritative.
Bailey just burst out laughing, "All right, you want to play games? We can play."
As Bailey held Charlie's gold pocket watch he swung it around while holding his gun pointed at Charlie's leg. Just then he heard another gunshot coming from the car behind him. Bailey stood up, "what the hell?" He peeked out behind the curtain and looked to see what just happened.
Charlie took the opportunity to grab his hidden gun. Shaking badly, he dropped it. Hearing that Bailey turned back around. Seeing the gun Charlie dropped, he snatched it up before Charlie could.
Shaking his head and his gun at Charlie, he swore at him, "I should do you in right now, you bumbling idiot!"
Mrs. Richter, a wealthy, older well-known aristocrat was not afraid. She was determined that these outlaws would not get away with the stolen goods, so when the one in her car walked past her end seat, she shoved her parasol out in the aisle and tripped him. He hurtled over it and fell to the floor losing his gun as it spun over the floor and stopped right in front of Robert Wolf! Robert grabbed the gun and held it at the thief. Several of the men in the car, ran to hold him down, but they were no match for him as the robber pulled another gun out of his boot and threatened them so they let go of him. He swung his gun and it let out a shot that barely missed one of the men. Robert was very wary now what to do with the other gun that was in his hand.
They both stood there frozen holding guns and facing eachother. Robert engaged the bullet and was staring the robber down. He wouldn't shoot first as he was instructed, unless he saw the opponent doing so. Luckily, Robert had been an A student in shooting at Mountie school and felt confident in his skill. When he saw the robber moving, Robert fired. He didn't aim to kill, just to knock him down and that he did. The men ran back to the robber and this time he surrendered. Robert was cheered, but he told everyone to be quiet.
This time Bailey came away from the engineer and stormed into their car. Seeing one of his gang tied up in a seat he looked swiftly around, furiously. "Who did this?" he raged.
No one said a word. Walking down the aisle he was looking for the culprit. Robert was in the last seat, still with his gun, ready to shoot. When Bailey's steely eyes rested on Robert, he started to hold his gun at Robert when the train went black as they went rumbled through a tunnel. Everyone ducked down in their seats. They heard shuffling in the back and then several thunks on the roof. As the daylight lit up the car once again, Bailey was still holding his gun and running to the next car. Robert ran to the front by the engineer and told him to stop the train. He had to see who was on the roof of the train.
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The steam train squealed to a bolting halt. Everyone sat frozen in their seats. Robert looked out of the engineer's window and saw several flashes of red on the roof of the train just like he suspected. The Mounties had been waiting on the top of the tunnel and when the train roared through the tunnel courageously jumped on. He must've seen at least six Mounties and he was relieved.
Seeing the conductor still tied up, he sprang over by him, untied him, and pulled the rag out of his mouth. Breathing heavily, the conductor told Robert, "There is an outlaw in each car. Be careful!"
Robert nodded at the conductor and the engineer telling them to stay put. He leaped toward the car he had been seated in. Having a commanding presence, everyone was watching and waiting for him to give them orders. Seeing that the robber he had just been threatened with was still tied up and struggling to get out but not going anywhere, thanks to the men who had secured him, he listened intently. Making hand signs to the other passengers he conveyed that there were Mounties on the roof. Sighs of relief were heard, but quickly faded when they heard gunshots ring out.
Robert trying not to be seen, peered toward the car behind the one they were in. He could see the backs of another one of the outlaws who was with Bailey. They had shot their guns toward the roof of the car. Passengers were screaming and ducking behind the seats. They had grabbed a woman and was holding a gun to her head. Just as Bailey suspected, one of the Mounties was cautiously approaching the car they were in.
Robert tried earnestly to see who it was. He thought he recognized Constable Christopher Herrmann who he knew from the trouble in Hope Valley earlier with the Toliver gang. This Mountie was quick and deliberate. Having seen the woman held at gunpoint told Bailey, "Let the woman go, she is innocent."
Bailey cackled, "What? And lose my hostage? Do you think I'm stupid?"
"You and your buddy have what you want, just let the woman go and get out of here NOW!"
"I ain't taking no orders from you pretty boy," Bailey snorted. "I know there's more of you on this train."
"Then, you know you're surrounded. Give it up." Christopher commanded.
"HA! Over my dead body and there's two of us in this car and one of you. Now, since I have the leverage, who's going to back down, you or me?" Bailey taunted.
As Christopher was about to speak, there was shuffling and another gunshot. Bailey accidentally moved looking to see what was going on. Christopher was keeping his eye on Bailey throughout the scuffle. He aimed carefully, and quickly shot at him. When the bullet hit his arm, he dropped the woman who scurried away.
The other outlaw was just about to shoot back at Christopher, when Robert rushed in and hit him over the head with his gun knocking him down, then stepped on his hand, and kicked his gun out of his reach. Kneeling on the back of the outlaw, he held his gun up at Bailey. Bailey was just about to fire at Robert when Christopher and Nathan both came charging up the aisle. Christopher shot Bailey again who fell to the ground.
Nathan came rushing up to Robert, "Robert, are you all right?"
Robert smiled proudly, "Yes, Sargent Grant, I'm a bit shook up, but I'm all right."
Nathan couldn't help but give Robert a hug. "I'm mighty proud of you son!"
Christopher was tending to Bailey and watched him take his last breath. Looking up at Nathan, he shook his head and then closed Bailey's eyes.
Nathan ran back to check on the other two train cars. He proceeded quickly and carefully. As he approached the closest car he saw through the small window Gunther and another Mountie facing towards Nathan both pointing their guns at the outlaw who hadn't surrendered yet.
Gunther was talking to him, trying to get him to turn himself in, but he wasn't co-operating. Gunther just happened to notice Nathan slightly nodding to let him know he was aware of him.
Gunther spoke louder this time to keep the outlaw's eyes focused on him, "Look, you're not going to get out of this, so do yourself a favor and surrender now, before anyone gets hurt."
As quiet as a mouse, Nathan cautiously opened the door to the train car. Gunther kept on talking, "You will get leniency if you cooperate. This is your best bet right now."
The robber just laughed hysterically, "You are all talk, I'm not scared of nothin'!"
Nathan took the chance and swiftly moved in behind the outlaw pointing his gun on his back, "Drop the gun right now!" he commanded in a harsh voice.
The outlaw was furious, dropped his gun, but then swung at Nathan. Nathan's reaction was too fast to make impact, instead he grabbed the robber's arm and while grappling with him, held him in a choke hold until Gunther came to handcuff him.
As Gunther shoved the outlaw on the floor, Nathan captured the gun, then acknowledged Gunther, "Good work there, Constable!" with a smile.
The last passenger car was in good order. Nathan was satisfied that everyone was now safe and he and two other Mounties helped the passengers to disembark the train cars onto the grass outside. They had arranged for another train to join behind them to take them back to Banff Station. An ambulance came and took the body away of Harvey Bailey to the local mortuary.
The conductor helped with the luggage and then gave all the cash to Constable Christopher Herrmann who was in charge of securing the monies, jewelry, and valuables with the passengers as they boarded the new train.
When Nathan, Gunther, Christopher, and the other Mounties stepped down with the outlaws, the crowd of passengers applauded them loudly. A newspaper reporter was there and took down any information he could gather from them. A photographer was able to take some pictures too. The engineer, Charlie Ashton was smiling at the photographer holding his grandfather's beloved gold pocket watch.
Nathan was in the middle with Robert on one side of him and Gunther on the other for the photographer. "Anything you want to say Sargent Grant?" the reporter asked.
"Yes, I am extremely proud of these two brave men. Constable Gunther Burmeister and Recruit Robert Wolf handled this dangerous situation with wisdom and courage. Their families will be proud of these two heroes as well as we all should be!"
Gunther and Robert beamed as Sargent Grant shook their hands and the photographer snapped their photos.
