Chapter 157 – Other Mounties and Cadets Arrive

Wynn and Jacobs caught a few of the cadets whispering at the end of the table. Jacobs stood up and went to stand behind them. As they continued to whisper, not paying attention to him, he put his hand on their shoulders. They instantly looked up at him.

"Pick up your plates." Jacobs said.

"What?" Cadet Peters said.

"I said to pick up your plates." Jacobs said. "Since you are being rude, you can eat outside. You two will also be on dish detail and if I have to ask again, you won't eat inside for the remainder of your stay here."

They looked up at him and then at Wynn.

"I would do what he says." Wynn said. "He has my full backing."

Both Peters and Harvey picked up their plates. Jacobs pointed to the door and they went out. He followed them and sat them at the table nearest the door.

"You will remain here until I come and get you to do dishes." Jacobs said. "Cross me at your own peril."

"Yes, Sergeant." Both quickly responded.

Jacobs left them and headed back inside. He didn't say anything to anyone else, but took his seat and picked up his fork.

"Abigail." Wynn said. "He was serious. They will be washing all the dishes this afternoon to your standards. They will also refill your wood boxes and make sure that you have enough water before they are dismissed."

"Thank you, Wynn." Abigail said.

"We will teach them." Patty said. "I am good at getting through to boys. It comes from having a bunch of unruly brothers."

"I have no doubt." Wynn said. "Then they are in your capable hands Patty."

Everyone went back to eating. The conversation was kept light. The other cadets only spoke when asked a direct question. The five Mounties who all sat on one end, were talking about different experiences that they had had. Cody was listening intently to them. He asked a few questions. Cody wasn't the only one that was listening to the Mountie stories intently. The cadets were as well. Finally, it was Constable Wilson that turned to Jack.

"Jack." Wilson said. "How did you do it?"

"Do what?" Jack asked.

"Get all those big takedowns in the last year?" Wilson asked.

"Lucky I guess." Jack said. "That is all I can say."

"Seriously." Cadet Townson said. "That is all you are going to say."

"Yes." Jack said. "I didn't set out looking for any of them."

"So why is it that you turned and hightailed it back when I mentioned Nate Tolliver's horse being found?" Patel said.

"Yes." Jack said. "Sorry about that. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if something would have happened to the town I love."

"You mean the girl you love." Bennett teased.

"Okay." Jack said. "I will admit that getting back to make sure Elizabeth was safe was a big part of it, but I also know every trail and hunting cabin within twenty miles or more of here. I knew if Tolliver was still in the area, I would be able to find him. While ensuring that the people that I love were safe."

"So why didn't you get in trouble for disobeying orders." Cadet Townson said.

Jack closed his eyes and let out a harsh breath. He knew that it was going to come back and bite him. He had defended his actions to the Superintendents and he thought that would be enough, but Jack also knew that other Mounties had heard about him disobeying orders and still getting the pick of his assignments.

"It was my decision." Wynn said. "He was forgiven for disobeying orders when it was learned that he captured the Tolliver gang single handedly while also rescuing Elizabeth and her sister. It was one without either of the girls or himself getting hurt."

"I had help." Jack said. "Constable O'Riley was critical in executing that plan. It was his steady shot that got them."

"Yet it was your plan." Wynn said. "You were the one that stood face to face with Nate Tolliver. You didn't flinch when he pointed that pistol at you. You remained calm and got him to drop his weapon."

"Yes, Jack." Elizabeth said. "Julie and I wouldn't have been so lucky if you wouldn't have come back."

Jack just blushed and ducked his head.

"Tell us about rescuing thee Andrew Russell's granddaughters." Cadet Edwards said. "I want to hear that story. I mean I knew who the Russells were growing up in Hamilton. I mean real royalty, that must have been something. How did you know it was them? How were you traveling first class to be able to figure it out? I heard that they travel with their own train car. Is that where you saw them? If not, how did you see them? Did you meet him? What was he like? Did he make you bow to him?"

Wynn could tell that Jack was uncomfortable. So he reached over and patted his shoulder.

"Gentlemen." Wynn said. "Today is not the day for those stories. All I will say is that yes, Corporal Thornton met with Andrew Russell when he was in Hamilton. The man was very grateful for the return of his granddaughters and wanted to meet the man who rescued them."

"Did he give you a huge reward?" Edwards asked. "I wouldn't think so, but then again, you never know with rich people. They can be stingy sometimes."

Wynn and Jacobs exchanged a look.

"Edwards." Jacobs said in a low tone. "Unless you want to join the two outside, I would keep your mouth shut. I can also strip you of that cadet leader title, if you keep running your mouth. I have known Andrew Russell Sr, for many years. I also knew his son, who was a decorated Mountie Inspector. The Russells are very generous and whether or not Corporal Thornton got a reward is none of your business. Keep pushing me and I will make sure that you have the midnight to six am shift of guard duty all week. You will then be running with Constable McGinty before you eat rations."

"Yes, Sir." Edwards said.

"Speaking of McGinty." Jack said "Where is he?"

"He requested permission to run back to Benson Hills." Wynn said. "He will be back later tonight. When I informed him that he would be staying until you are one hundred percent, he asked to go get some things as he hadn't packed for an extended stay."

"Good." Jack said. "Then I won't worry about him. He is a good rider and very aware of the area."

As they were finishing up, there was a knock on the cafe door. Jacobs got up to see who it was and saw that it was the group from Medicine Hat and Ned was standing there as well.

"Come in gentlemen." Jacobs said.

"Ned did you need something?" Jacobs asked.

"A telegram came for you." Ned said.

Ned held out an envelope for Jacobs. He took it and opened it. When he was done, he looked at Ned.

"Can you send a response back?" Jacobs asked.

"Yes." Ned said. "Mr Nichols said he would be there for a while as he expected you would want to send a reply."

Jacobs quickly pulled out his notebook, scribbled a note and handed it back to Ned.

"Thank you." Jacobs said.

Ned turned and left. By that time, Wynn and Dee had come over to stand near Jacobs.

"Everything alright?" Wynn asked.

"Yes." Jacobs said. "McGinty arrived in Benson Hills. He realized as he was packing his items that I might need some things as well. He sent a message asking if I wanted him to bring anything back. I sent a list back."

"Good." Wynn said. "Now gentleman. Please introduce yourselves. We were just finishing up Easter dinner."

"Yes, Sir." Cook said. "I am Captain Jack Cook."

"Constable John Lane."

"Cadet Leader Roger Morin."

"Cadet Ollie Smith."

"Cadet Dennis Jones."

"Cadet Clayton Harris."

"Cadet Wayne Lewis."

"Welcome gentleman." Wynn said. "I am Deputy Commissioner Wynn Delaney Sr."

They all snapped to a salute, which was returned by Wynn.

"I am Sergeant Jeremiah Jacobs." Jacobs said. "I have been assigned as close protection for the Deputy Commissioner and will be working with him and his son as I was stationed in Hamilton and am familiar with the way he works."

"I am Constable Wynn Delaney Jr." Dee said. "But you can call me Dee."

Jack came over as well.

"Thornton." Captain Cook said. "Good to see you on your feet. I heard you were injured."

"I was." Jack said. "I am on the road to recovery, but it will take some time. I was thrown from my horse and washed quite a ways down stream. I was suffering from exposure and early stages of pneumonia when I was found. I still have trouble breathing at times."

"Well." Cook said. "You take it easy."

"You gentleman will be in one of the tents behind the jail." Jacobs said. "There is a prisoner, but you are not to engage with him. If he says anything, you are to write it down. We have clear instructions from headquarters."

"I will tell you cadets the same thing that I told the other group." Wynn said. "Your ability to graduate will depend on how well you do at this assignment. You will mostly be used as guard duty for Corporal Thornton's and his wife. You will also be guarding the schoolhouse once school starts in the morning."

"There is an undercover Mountie in town." Jacobs said. "If you recognize him, you are not to address him by his title. There is also another Mountie around."

"Now have you gentlemen eaten?" Abigail said coming over.

"We are fine for now." Captain Cook said. "However, supper would be nice."

"Supper will be at seven." Abigail said. "Come over and knock on the front door. Many of those here will still be here."

"Then you can go get settled." Jacobs said. "You are free to relax for the rest of the day. Talk to Sheriff Bill Avery over at the jail. He has a list who is on guard duty. Add yourselves, but keep it flexible. As you heard, there is one more Mountie that is returning later."

Wynn looked around at all the Mounties.

"With the exception of Jacobs here." Wynn said. "You are all dismissed, expect those that have been assigned chores by Jacobs."

"Edwards, you can stay here." Jacobs said. "The rest are free to go. As you heard supper at seven. We will go for a run at six thirty in the morning. Those that can't keep up with me will not be getting breakfast from Mrs Stanton here."

After salutes were exchanged, all the cadets except Edwards left. The other Mounties quickly followed. After they were out the door, Jacobs grabbed the other two and led them to the kitchen.

"This is Ms Winters." Jacobs said. "You will listen to her or deal with me."

"Let's go boys." Patty said. "There is plenty of work to do. We need more wood brought in. Water heated and the tables cleared."