Chapter 2 GOLD!
There had been reports of gold found in Alaska, several loggers had left the Bolt logging camp to search for their fortunes. Some came back and asked for their jobs back but Jason, who at the time did all the hiring and firing, said no. If he could not trust them to stay and finish a job, he could not trust them to work for him. So, he told them to elsewhere and they did.
There were two brothers who did find their fortune and prospects for gold in Alaska. They kept in touch with Jason because they had been childhood friends and were still friends. Jason was glad they had found their fortune. For him, though, his fortune was in his family. He had two brothers who were younger. He had had to care for them when he was only about 17 and both their parents passed away. His brother Joshua, blonde hair and blue eyed was the second brother, he was good with numbers and usually did the books for him. His youngest brother Jeremy had the kindest and sweetest disposition, but when it came time to stand up for his beliefs and justice, he was very powerful. Jason saw that his brothers were well taught and had everything they might need growing up. When they were old enough, they learned the logging business from the ground up. When the rumor of gold had circulated, Joshua wanted to find out. Jason did not like the idea, partly because Joshua might get hurt and would be too far away for him to help and partially because he knew it was more of a gamble that the logging business. Instead of telling him outright 'no' he held a family meeting. All three sat and discussed the pros and cons of the adventure. Although Jeremy was too young to go, he was included because his opinion counted just as much. They held their family meeting at Lottie's, the boys looked to her as a surrogate mother and since she was older Jason thought that her opinion would matter to his brothers.
"So, Miss Lottie, would you bring us a round of drinks!" asked Jason. Lottie did, she brought them all sarsaparilla. A treat, she reserved for them because they were not allowed to drink any alcoholic beverages. All the 'boys' said thank you and she sat down with them sipping a cup of tea.
"So, Joshua, you want to go to Alaska?" asked Jason then he said:
"Tell, me how are you going to get the money and transportation and equipment for this venture?" Joshua thought about it and then said:
"Well, I could take what money I have saved and buy a ticket to Alaska for starters. Then I can get the equipment up there and be ready to go prospecting!" Joshua was now almost 17. He felt ready to strike out on his own.
"Joshua, may I give you this?" Jason held out a piece of paper and Joshua took it. He read the paper.
"It's a list!" Said Joshua, "what do I need a list for?"
"Read it. I do believe it is something that you will need to consider before you leave!"
Joshua looked at it and read:
The Ministry of Canada requests and demands that those who are considering gold mining in Alaska or anywhere in Canada, need to procure their equipment ahead of time. This includes a years' worth of:
Warm clothes and outerwear, moccasins and boots, blankets and towels, mosquito netting, personal care items, medicine, first aid items, candles and matches, soap, approximately 1,000 pounds of food, tools and mining equipment and camping equipment. Not to mention if you bring any dogs, food and supplies for your dogs!
Joshua read the list. He did not seem deterred by this. Jeremy read it after Joshua and whistled.
"Wow, that's a lot of stuff? 1,000pounds of food? Where are you going to get 1,000 pounds of food?" Jeremy asked.
Joshua looked at the information. Jason looked at Joshua.
"I could just collect everything I need and then take off? I suppose I could get the food on the way?" Joshua was thinking. Jason said:
"You could do that. Where will you keep all your gear as you are collecting it? We don't have room in our cabin? Jason said as he looked at Joshua. Lottie was sitting there quietly listening. The points Jason was making were good, but she felt it was time for her to say something.
" You know, Joshua, maybe it would be better to wait awhile before you start collecting your equipment. All this could die down and then you would be able to afford the equipment because people who do not make it usually want to sell their equipment so that they have money to get back home. You might be able to purchase the tools and other things at a cheaper price?" Joshua looked at her then she asked:
"Where are you going to get the money for this adventure?" Jason sat up straight, and looked Joshua in the eyes and said:
"Yes, Joshua, where are you going to get the money for this adventure!" Joshua looked at Jason, at Lottie and then at Jeremy and said what no one else wanted to say and that was:
"I can put my 1/3/ of the mountain up as collateral!" The group gasped except Jason who looked long and hard at Joshua. Holding his own emotions in check Jason said:
"Josh, you know each of us a third of the mountain and each has a right to do what he wants with his third." Jason stopped; it was almost too hard for him to remain calm.
"Your third is for you to use as you want, but you are not of age and according to dad's will, you get it when you turn 21. Until then it is held in trust by the bank. They will not let you take that kind of risk!" Jason stood up and walked out of the saloon. Lottie stayed and Jeremy, who was already wiggling in his chair, went outside with Jason. Joshua still sat in his chair then he also stood up, said goodbye to Lottie went out the back and did not return.
"J-j-Jason, is J-j-josh, okay?" ask Jeremy? Who held Jason's hand.
"He will be, he needs to think things through. Let's get you home, it is bedtime for you little brother." Jason said sadly. They walked home and Jeremy got ready for bed.
"Jason, if J-j-josh, g-g-gets home, are we-we going to vote?" asked Jeremy. Jason thought about that a moment and said:
"When Joshua gets home, we will wake you up and you can vote! Now get to bed!" Jason said as he sat in his father's chair thinking and praying that Joshua would come to his senses.