Knights of the Golden Circle

Part 2: A Plea For Help

After speaking with Tom McConnell Caine was led to a nearby tent cabin.

"This will be your space."

Caine observed on one side of the cabin there was a small cot, a table with an oil lamp, and a chair. A pitcher with a large wash basin sat on another small table on the other side. A small mirror hung on a nail on one of the support posts. He placed his bedroll, bamboo flute, and brown pouch on the cot. This was a luxury compared to other times he had worked for the railroad camps. Only those in charge got to sleep in such cabins while those laying track or opening tunnels shared a large tent.

"If you're hungry, they'll be serving lunch soon. I'll send someone over with some other supplies."

Caine bowed to the man, not used to the respect he was being given. He looked around the tent cabin one more time then headed for the lunch area. As he emerged it was then that he noticed there were a lot more tent cabins than he expected. The area looked like a small town. Did everyone receive such accommodations? Perhaps working for this man wasn't going to be too bad. Caine headed for the lunch area. Many men and their families were already gathering their lunch. Again, Caine could not help noticing the differences from other camps. The men were well fed. There was a bounty of food. Rice, though one of the main staples, was not the only thing. On the serving tables there were piles of steamed vegetables plus plates of roasted meats. Everyone shared in the bounty. No one went away hungry.

Caine was aware that many eyes were upon him as he took a bowl of rice and added some vegetables. He then poured a cup of tea for himself. Grabbing a nearby pair of chopsticks he carried his meal to a shady spot under a large oak tree and proceeded to sit. Before eating, he bowed his head in prayer then proceeded to eat his meal. Before he had taken his third bite, two small feet caught his attention as they stopped in front of him.

"You are a stranger here," the woman wasn't young, but neither was she old. Her age was hard to determine. "I could not help but notice that you did not sit with the others."

"I did not wish to intrude," Caine replied.

"Such a courtesy should not be overlooked. There is no intrusion. Please, join us. My name is Mrs. Lee Wu. We would have news from home. Have you not recently come from China?"

"It has been several months since I was in China," Caine stated.

"Even so, news that is several months old is still news."

Caine had to smile at the woman's persistence. If she knew, she would not be trying to gain his attention.

"I understand the emperor is trying to prevent more of our people from leaving."

"I am not aware of the wishes of the emperor," Caine replied.

"No?" the woman crouched down and grabbed Caine by the sleeve of his left arm. She moved the sleeve upward to reveal the brand hidden underneath.

Caine stared into the eyes of the woman, uncertain of her intentions.

"There have been stories from the railroad camps of a wandering Shaolin. The Shaolin do not leave their monasteries or China without a reason. You are the Shaolin they speak of."

Caine pulled his arm away and readjusted his sleeve. He did not anticipate this. It was going to make his job a lot harder.

"Do not be afraid. I will not betray you. I may be able to help. There are those who will confide their thoughts to me more than they will to others. I know who killed the six men, but it will not be easy to prove."

"Why have you not told the boss-man . . . Mr. Hendricks?"

"He is too busy to listen. He requests for more men, but they will not give him what he wants. His superiors only want him to build the railroad regardless of the loss of life."

"They do not approve how he runs his camp?" Caine questioned.

"They say he is too soft. They would replace him if they could, but he is always ahead of schedule. The men are well paid and well fed. And yet our men are being killed. I fear they will not stop with just the men."

"How many have been killed?"

"Eighteen. You can see the graves along the tracks. This is not a place to die. Their bodies cannot be sent home."

"Do you know who is killing our people?" Caine questioned.

"Yes."

The woman handed Caine a strip of red cloth. Strange symbols were sewn into the fabric. The edges were torn and ragged as if it had been ripped from a larger piece of material.

"I do not understand."

"That was found clutched in my husband's hand. He fought the man before he was shot. He was one of the first to die."

"Do you know the meaning of these symbols?"

"I have heard rumors, and others have told of seeing this badge before. They call themselves the Knights of the Golden Circle, and their name is feared by many. To face the Knights means death."

Continues with Part 3