Outcast Read Free Page B

stretched a little wider. At least this one could speak English. Then his grin faded. “Have to say that most of the good land has been taken. We have a few areas left, but they’re more suited for buffalo than wheat farming.”
    â€œI was thinking of the Bele place.”
    The clerk cocked his head. “I remember that. He died recently, didn’t he?”
    Standish nodded.
    â€œCholera, if I remember correctly. I don’t think you would like that place. No way to make a living on it. Mostly trees.…”
    â€œI’d like to see the file if I could.”
    The clerk nodded, rising as though the effort were more than a man should have to bear. He walked to the ladder leading into the barn’s loft “Mabel, I need the Bele file.”
    Standish couldn’t hear the muffled reply.
    â€œI’m sorry, Mabel. Could I please have the Bele file?”
    A moment later a box suspended on a string descended from the loft.
    The clerk turned to leave, but the box swung behind him and bumped into his back. Even in the shadowy room, Standish could see the man’s face turn red. He turned and looked up the shaft. “Yes, thank you, Mabel. Sorry I didn’t mention that.”
    The clerk returned, tossed the file on his desk and sat down. “Mabel is the wife of the chairman of the county commission. Wonderful woman,” he grimmaced.
    Standish nodded.
    â€œNow, let’s see,” the clerk said, pulling the kerosene lamp on his desk closer to his work. “Yes, here it is. He died in November. Neighbor said he had tuberculosis, but women like her, well.… Let’s see, no known relatives. Turned over to a public administrator.”
    The clerk cocked his head and looked up at Standish. “Maybe you should go out and take a look at this place. Not much chance of making a living on it.”
    â€œI’ve seen it.”
    The clerk shrugged. “Well, nobody has claimed the property yet. You could pay the back taxes. That would give you first claim to the property, but.…”
    â€œHow much would that be?”
    â€œSeven dollars and forty-five cents, no forty-six cents.”
    Standish reached into his pocket.
    The clerk held up his hand. “There are some liens on his property, too.”
    â€œLiens?”
    â€œYes, the bank has one for.…” The clerk cocked his head. “Five hundred dollars. I wonder what…?” He looked up. “I wouldn’t pay any five hundred dollars for that place.”
    â€œAny others?”
    The Emporium has a bill for $12.18, and Ivan Kabanov, the blacksmith, is caring for the horse at $5 a month. You would have to take care of that.”
    Standish nodded. “I’ll pay the back taxes now, and then I’ll bring back receipts on the liens.”
    The clerk leaned back in his chair, cocking his head. “You find some gold up there Mr.…?”
    â€œThat’s all limestone country,” Standish said. “No gold there.”
    â€œYou are a miner, then?”
    Standish pulled some coins from his pocket. He gave the clerk a gold half eagle, two silver dollars, a quarter, two dimes and a penny. “This is the only gold I’ve found.” The clerk chuckled, and Standish asked. “Could I have a receipt for that, please?”
    The clerk stared at Standish for a moment, and then nodded. “And to whom should I address the lien”
    â€œStandish, M.J. Standish.”
    The clerk rubbed the palm of one hand across his chin. “Standish, that sounds familiar.”
    â€œIt should. I just introduced myself.”
    The clerk grinned. “Yes, I guess you did.”
    He handed Standish a slip of paper.
    â€œI s’pect you’re off to see the banker, now.”
    â€œI’spect so,” Standish said. He turned, and then stopped. “I suspect I should have a copy of the death certificate, too.”
    The clerk nodded. “Just go.… Just wait