The town was buzzing for the next two days. The newspapers had energized it somehow. The War in the east was a constant topic. The younger men were talking about the war and enrolling(?) at the Presidio in San Francisco, whatever that was. The women, especially the bigger girls, talked to the men about how wonderful they would look in a blue uniform. The married women worried about their husbands abandoning them in pursuit of glory. The older men were talking about timber and shipping and ships and railroad ties. The people that wanted their land cleared for farming thought they could get their land cleared, and maybe make a little cash on the side. Cash was always good to have, especially in winter. They probably wouldn't get it in time for Christmas this year, but they'd already planned without it.

It didn't snow. Just a cold cold wind blowing little ice pellets every now and then. Jeremy walked around, sometimes warming up in the store or at Lottie's. She always gave him a hot drink, sometimes cocoa. With whipped cream, although he had usually whipped the cream, to help out. He liked to help out, because it was at Lottie's where everyone talked.

Even Jason and Mr. Stempel were arguing amiably at a nearby table, discussing seasoned timber for railroad ties, and green timber for ships. Jeremy eyed them suspiciously, but neither of them seemed to be getting upset.

Neither of them seemed to be converting the other to their viewpoint.

Neither of them cared.

The two men were looking at the younger men now, and Mr. Stempel asked Jason how many men he thought he'd lose.

Jason said it looked like about half.

Stempel's eyes flicked to Joshua, in the middle of the group. "And half your brothers?"

Jason's eyes flashed, but he forced himself to laugh. "He's too young."

"Really? You've had him doing your business on his own for a couple years now. He'd probably disagree."

Jason took a swallow of his beer. "That's something brothers do. Not your business."

"If it affects your supply, it's my business."

"It's December. Nothing's going to affect your supply." Jason was getting nettled, which made Jeremy smile, but just to himself.

Jeremy looked at Josh, part of the eager conversation. Did Josh want to go away to the Presidio? Why? Did he want glory, too? Whatever that was.

How could it be more glorious than working with the trees on their mountain? Wasn't that glory enough for anybody?

Jeremy moved around to where he could listen to Josh better, and his friends. One of the women (a wife to one of Stempel's men, but young) was teasing Josh about the uniform matching his eyes and how that would make him stand out in the crowd. Why, he'd be a general in no time!

A general what, Jeremy wondered. He was already Jason's general assistant and a general overseer.

Josh was just laughing and joking like he always did. That was good.

/

It finally snowed, and Jason kept his word and they all went to their very own cabin and played.

Of course, they worked, too. They needed firewood and food cooked and water to drink and wash up with, so they all had chores every day.

They were the best days, and when they went to bed at night, they slept well.

They spent Christmas together in their cabin. A quiet day, a quiet exchange of gifts, and reading the Christmas story. It was wonderful. No fuss and no extra people.

The next day, Jason and Joshua started working on their shopping list for the annual San Francisco trip. January was a good time to shop for equipment, Jason said. Mostly because few were buying much during the cold dark months, even if that was the season the safety and survival systems were most needed. The merchants would sell low just to keep some income coming in.

After that the bickering started.

At first it was just the normal sort of stuff, but then they started stopping whenever they thought Jeremy was paying attention, and he took note of that. What didn't they want him to know?

Jason asked if the boys wanted to go into town for New Year's, and Josh asked what did Jason want to do.

"I'm happy with whatever you want to do."

"Well maybe we don't want you to be! Can't you decide for yourself, and then, surprise, we might decide something else for ourselves! It might even be something different! That would shock you out of your shoes, wouldn't it?"

"Joshua." Jason summoned up what patience he had. "Just because you don't agree with me about the San Francisco trip – "

Was that what all the fuss was about? But Jason had promised the last two years that Josh could make the trip next time.

"No. It's about you, not keeping your word, lying to me again! And treating us like we're toddling babies that you can't take your eye off of for a split second!"

It was? He did? Jeremy hadn't noticed. Or was he just used to it?

"Joshua, we have discussed this."

"No. We haven't. You just made your high-and-mighty ruling on things, mostly to benefit yourself!"

"Josh! Not now." Jason flicked his eyes to Jeremy and back.

"Why shouldn't he know you're keeping me home again while you go have fun?"

Yeah, why couldn't he?

"Shopping for equipment is not fun."

"Until after the shops close!"

Well, that might be true, but it could be fun if you were still in the shop when they closed and you got locked in. Or maybe not. Being locked in wasn't nice.

"You're being ridiculous!"

"I'm being honest!"

Oh, for –! I'm going out! I am not arguing this with you again. GET OVER IT!" Jason went out the door, slamming it behind him.

Josh threw his cup and saucer at the door, and it broke all over the place.

Josh cussed.

Jeremy, after a startled glance at his brother, got the broom and started sweeping the glass.

Josh yanked the broom out of his hand and said, "It's my mess. I'll clean it up. Make some more coffee or something."

"I s'pose you'll need another c-cup an' saucer, huh?"

Josh glared at him, started to say something, then laughed and looked at the broken glass at his feet. "I don't think I'll be able to use this one. Just get out of my way."

Jeremy retreated to the china cabinet while Josh cleaned up his mess.