The Boys in Blue and Gray
By Chris James
Chapter Eight
The mansion belonging to Leland Stanford was a sight to behold. All the wealth and power associated with a former governor and railroad magnate was clearly displayed in this home. Abe was not at all surprised that C.H. would find a way to throw his party here; it was the largest building in town.
Norris had picked them up in a coach for the ride to the party as a light cold rain had continued to fall all day. But they arrived at the entrance of the mansion quite dry and comfortable; this would be an evening to remember.
Footmen opened the doors of the coach and helped them each step down on the brick paving stones, not a drop of mud soiled their new clothes, and for that they were grateful. The entrance to the mansion was lit with a multitude of lanterns and uniformed servants took their coats and hats as they entered.
"The home belongs to Governor Stanford and his wife, Jane... she's the real boss at these affairs," Norris said. "I hope you brought your best manners."
Matthew stood gawking at the fine rich carpets and paintings on the walls, while Zach stood quietly clutching his violin case. Abe was certainly impressed, but was more concerned about the people they would be meeting. They were shown to the parlor, a vast room where C.H. immediately spotted them.
"Gentlemen... Gentlemen, welcome. My, don't you look well suited for the occasion," Swift said, giving Norris a nod of thanks. He had been standing with a group of people, several gentlemen and a lady... an elegant lady. Swift guided them over for introductions.
"Gentlemen... Mrs. Stanford, if I may... these are the young men I told you about," Swift said.
Mrs. Stanford was all charm and grace, holding out her hand to Abe. And it was at this moment that he could thank his mother for the manners she had taught him so well. Abe took the proffered hand and bowed, not kissing the hand but showing he had some breeding and appreciation for the woman.
The men were all smiles, including the former governor who shook their hands with enthusiasm. "You boys are most welcome," Stanford said. "Not often we get to meet anyone who wants to save C.H's hide." The group laughed and Swift merely grinned before turning to another man.
"And this is Doctor Henry Coon, the Mayor of San Francisco," Swift said.
Coon was a serious looking man, large and robust like the others, but he had eyes that betrayed his thoughts. He looked quite uncomfortable in the presence of these men. Abe shook the proffered hand and Coon gave him a slight smile.
"You did a brave thing stopping those criminals, it's about time something was done to put them all out of business."
Swift nodded. "I certainly agree with that. Dr. Coon is a medical man, an astute politician and also a judge, he's seen his fair share of criminal activity over the years. Haven't you, Henry?"
That brought a smile to Coon's lips. "I have, and we need more citizens like these three. They didn't have to step up and defend you, C.H., but they did, and that says a lot about their character."
The final man standing there was a fidgety slender individual, younger than the others, and sporting a bushy mustache along with unruly hair. Swift turned to him last with a slight bow.
"And this is our gentleman of the press; he might like to write about your exploits for his paper. May I introduce Mr. Clemens who signs his work Mark Twain, although for the life of me I'm not sure why."
"I grew up on the Mississippi River, Mr. Mayor... it's a nautical term," Clemens said. "But having a pen name is useful, especially if a reader disagrees and comes looking for me with a shotgun. I've been know to say 'Mark Twain, never heard of him... I'm Sam Clemens.'"
The group laughed and Clemens nodded. The man had an expansive sense of humor and enjoyed entertaining the crowd. But Abe could see a fire burning in those eyes, there was a whole lot more to him than telling jokes.
Matthew and Zach got their fair share of attention, and eventually all three of them were surrounded by people asking about their trip west. Swift stood back and nodded, he would be given credit for discovering these wonderful boys. There was nothing better than to have his name associated with them, preferably in Mr. Clemens' paper, The Morning Call.
Coon was a tough man, but then Swift knew San Francisco presented greater challenges than Sacramento. The man was not on good terms with Stanford and his railroad, but that was business, this was a social event. It would do some good to speak with Henry about the boys later on. Maybe he could be of some assistance in getting them started in life.
Swift had become a doctor early in life, long before coming to Sacramento. Here he had been a judge before running for mayor. His own business experience had taught him the value of friends in high places. Only a few knew the real life adventures of C.H. Swift, for like Abe and his friends, Swift had traveled across the plains from Missouri to seek his fortune in California. That was fifteen years ago, but the harsh memory still lingered.
In California it seemed like every man for himself, which made what these boys had done a marvel of civility. Yes, Swift knew he must do whatever he could to return the favor. What value did he put on his life? Coon would be of assistance, maybe help them find a place in San Francisco society.
He was delighted that Zachary played the violin; Norris had whispered that the boy was quite good. He missed good music; it had been one of his few delights back east. Here it was easy to get a band together on the Fourth of July, but classical music... no, Sacramento had not arrived on that elevated plain quite yet.
He watched young Wheelwright gravitate towards Clemens. That made sense, they were both southerners. And Swift wondered what they would talk about, certainly not the war.
"So you were in the militia cavalry in Missouri?" Abe asked.
"For a short time, it was a bad mistake on my part," Clemens said. "My battles are best fought with words."
"Will you keep my confidences?" Abe asked, and received a nod in return. "I was a spy for Jubal Early... or at least I tried to be." He went on to reveal how he had met Zach and their flight west to avoid the war.
Clemens laughed at the faux hanging, thought it a pretty good trick. And as they were all called into dinner the conversation had to end for the moment. Abe liked this man, not that he thought being from Missouri meant the man was a secessionist. Far from it, Clemens had a great distaste for war, and in that Abe saw a lot of himself.
Dinner was a formal affair, something Abe and Zach found comfortable, but Matthew was not used to all the finery. He sat across the broad table from Abe and watched every move the boy made. Zach had come by his table manners quite early at the hands of his mother whose family insisted on good decorum. Abe had been given lessons at the Institute, where aspiring to be a fine southern gentleman made it an imperative.
But Matthew had no such background, he would learn by mimicking his peers. They had been seated randomly among the various guests, men and women from Sacramento's social register. But Matthew found himself in good company and those around him were ever curious about how they had lived out on the plains.
The courses came and went. Soups, salads and the ever present roast of beef graced the table. But there were also oysters, crab and shrimps, breaded, steamed and sautéed, things none of the boys had ever encountered. Matthew was careful to taste everything, rejecting most of the seafood offhand as something he would never like.
Stanford had his political friends at the head of the table, but his wife held court at the other end which included Mr. Clemens and Mayor Coon. But as the meal wound down and before the dessert was served, Swift stood and offered a toast with his wine glass.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I must offer a toast to my saviors. It was hard to imagine the other morning that I would survive to make this toast, for certain bad elements in our society had dastardly plans for my demise. And then along came Mr. Wheelwright, Mr. Stroh and Mr... my goodness, Matthew... I don't know your last name."
"Rollins, Sir," Matthew called out.
"Mr. Rollins, thank you. It's rare that strangers would risk life and limb, engaging in such fierce battle with hooligans, but these three young men stepped forward and did just that. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you chivalry. May it never disappear from our society."
"Hear, Hear," Came the general reply, and those around the table lifted their glasses in the toast.
The dessert was grand, a sweet homemade ice cream smothered in caramel and nuts, set aflame with the aid of a generous portion of brandy. Like most of those at the table Abe ate sparingly of the sweet treat, he was already full. And then the ladies at the table retired, leaving the men to smoke cigars and drink even more brandy.
Zach lasted all of about ten minutes in the smoke filled room before he excused himself and returned to the parlor. Matthew stood his ground and attempted to consume a snifter of the strong brandy. Abe watched all this and then felt a presence, looking up to see Mr. Clemens take a seat beside him.
"And how did our hero enjoy the dinner?" Clemens asked.
Abe shook his head. "Not you too? I thought you might see thru all that."
"I admire bravery without attempting to be brave; my mind doesn't work in that direction."
"It wasn't something we sought, the events just overtook us," Abe said. "If you must know, what really made me angry enough to fight was when one of those crooks shot a horse to keep the stage from moving. I have great respect for the noble beast."
Clemens smiled. "Ah, our Mr. Wheelwright is a philosopher in the making."
"Abe, please call me Abe."
"Sam, if you will. I'm only twice your age I recon, we both seemed to have grown up fast. Not many boys would risk being a spy at your age."
"I wasn't much of a spy, it was this role I was playing... "Abe said, and then he went on to explain donning the uniform of a captain. Abe spoke about the events that surrounded him beginning with New Market. Ever so slowly he found others at the table were falling silent and listening to his discourse.
Clemens sat back in his chair enjoying the story, and this one was nothing conjured, he understood Abe was telling his truth. For quite some time he'd written news articles and tried to put his own viewpoint on the stories. Writing was something he'd attempted at an early age and it was the all consuming passion in his life. But he recognized something familiar in Abe, the boy was a fellow storyteller.
There was more to Sam's attraction to the boy, Abe was young and vulnerable, and he needed direction. Sam's younger brother, Henry, had died six years before. A terrible steamboat accident, one that had left Sam despondent for a time. It was one of the reasons he had followed his older brother Orion west to Nevada three years ago.
His work for the newspapers had allowed him to travel, but Sam knew he was in search of something. Like Abe, experiences gave him a glimpse of life that he enjoyed sharing with others. This boy would do well in San Francisco, and given the right circumstances maybe he could be of assistance.
The story he heard made Sam smile. Such a gutsy boy, it took courage to assume the role of an officer, such audacity. But boys were like that on occasion, he'd known a few back in Hannibal, back when he was one of them. Abe would make a great character in a book, the very essence of a wayward boy.
The men talked for quite sometime before Swift became aware of the music drifting its way in from the parlor. He left the table and walked across the hall to the parlor doors which he opened but a crack. Zachary was playing his violin, accompanied by Jane on her spinet. The audience of ladies seemed to be in a rapturous state, and he didn't wonder why.
Swift hurried back to the dining room and whispered in Coon's ear, the man got up and followed him. For all of his rough and gruff exterior, Coon was a man smitten with music. San Francisco had built the Mechanics Pavilion some years before, and the auditorium there had seen some small musical events. But the desire for a grand orchestra had not been fulfilled, Coon would settle for a good chamber group if he could muster the right musicians.
Zach was following along with Mrs. Stanford, aware that she wasn't a great pianist, but that only spoke to her lack of practice. She had sheet music, tons of it, and as she played he followed along by looking over her shoulder. He had done this with his mother so the situation was familiar; the rapt attention of the small audience was thrilling.
They finished the Beethoven Sonata to polite applause when the doors slid open and the two mayors ventured in applauding.
"Bravo, you two make a wonderful sound," Swift said.
Jane looked at Zach and smiled. "You inspired my performance, my goodness... I haven't played like that since I was a child."
Coon took a chair and looked up at Zach. "Would you play something for me? A violin solo if you will."
Zach looked at Jane and she nodded. The only thing he could play by heart with great confidence was the Mozart piece Abe loved so much. And with his love of the boy in mind he closed his eyes and began to play. Swift had left the parlor doors open on purpose, and quite soon men began silently slipping into the room.
Abe and Matthew stood at the door watching. Even on the trail west Abe had seen the boy charm a camp filled with tired and weary travelers. Now he could see the rapture on the faces of these well bred men and women, and it told him something. Zach had the ability to charm with his music, which meant he could make a living with the violin.
The piece ended and Zach was stunned by the loud burst of applause, he didn't know everyone had heard him. Then his eyes met Abe's and saw the love returned, which made him smile. The party broke up after a while, and Norris gave them a ride back to the hotel. He was pleased that things had gone so well, but he had a question.
"When are you leaving for San Francisco?"
"I was hoping to go on Friday," Abe said. That gave them another day here, just perfect, Norris thought.
"That's good... I have a suggestion," Norris said.
The coach left Sacramento on Friday morning, a beautiful contrivance pulled by six matching horses. This was something Abe would have to write his mother about, maybe she would even believe him. Three boys had traveled thousands of miles across the country only to find themselves in a fancy coach with the mayor of San Francisco.
Coon was a talkative sort, telling them about the grand things that had happened in his city the past decade. It would pass the time until they reached an overnight stop in Vacaville. The roof of the coach was loaded with their possessions, their horses led behind by an escort of six armed guards. Swift had made all the arrangements; there would be no robbery attempts during this trip.
They had a pleasant dinner and slept at the wayside inn, and as always were up with the dawn. Coon appeared cheerful in the morning, he would soon be home. When asked where they planned to stay Abe could only express an ignorance of the city and a desire to find a temporary boarding house for the three of them.
"Nothing too fancy I suppose," Coon said. "Single young men have no such needs. We'll find you a nice place close to Union Square, maybe Third Street."
"We would be grateful for your assistance," Abe said.
"You must know that C.H. gave me explicit instructions to look after your welfare, I don't doubt you'll enjoy living in our fair city."
And fair it was. By afternoon they approached the far shore called East Bay, across from the city. Here the coach was loaded on a ferry to cross the broad stretch of San Francisco Bay, and it proved to be a visual delight.
The city clung to the hills of the peninsula across the water and seemed to be built right down to the waterfront. Coon said they would land at a place called Mission Bay. He suggested they go to his office and find his secretary, the man would surely know of a boarding house that met their needs.
"You get yourselves settled in, get to know the town. By next week I will arrange for you to meet some of the right people." Coon smiled at Zach. "And for you I will arrange an introduction to some of our talented artists, it will allow you to further your musical goals."
The wonder of this city surrounded by vast stretches of the bay kept them in awe the whole trip across, and then the city embraced them. The streets were broad and filled with people, most of them on foot. Abe was curious when he saw metal tracks embedded in the street, and then watched a large coach being pulled by horses pass them by.
"Horse-cars," Coon said. "Good public transportation is one of my dreams for this city. So far the lines are limited because of the hills. We've built on about all the flat land there is, the only way to expand is upwards."
Abe could see that, buildings built on the steep grades towards the central hills. They reached Union Square, a vast open space surrounded by buildings. And then the coach pulled up at a building on Kearney Street, this was City Hall. Several men rushed out of the building upon their arrival, some to take Coon's luggage.
"Evan," Coon called out, and a slender young man approached the coach doors. "Evan Dennison is my secretary," He said. "Evan this is Abe Wheelwright and his two companions. We need to find them a boarding house somewhere around Third Street, any ideas?"
Dennison smiled. "Yes, Sir... I'll take care of it for you."
Coon turned to say his farewells. "I'll stay in touch... Oh, I almost forgot." He reached in his traveling bag and pulled out a leather pouch. "C.H. managed to get the Wells Fargo office in Sacramento to come up with this; I imagine he pressed them a little. So for saving the gold shipment and the lives of their passengers they reward you the magnificent sum of three hundred dollars." He smiled. "Enjoy yourselves, gentlemen." And with that he was gone.
Dennison nodded. "Gentlemen... shall we go find you a place to stay?"
Only one of the guards had remained with the coach, and he held the reins of their horses. Matthew got out and mounted his horse so the man could take his leave, and he followed along behind as the coach moved on.
This man Evan was a wealth of information about the city; Abe figured a man in his position had to be. And of course he was curious about how the mayor had come to meet them; Abe gave him a brief synopsis of the past week. Evan smiled at the knowledge.
"I don't doubt Henry will do as he promised, he does know everyone in this city. Your acquaintance with Mr. Twain will help immensely; he lives just over the hill at the Lick House."
Evan had the driver stop at a two story brick building just at the foot of a long hill. He went inside and was back ten minutes later.
"This is Drake House, I stayed here when I first came to the city, and they can accommodate you. The rate is reasonable, only thirty dollars a month for two bedrooms and a parlor. There are three restaurants within walking distance here on Third Street, more over towards Market. The horses can be quartered out back, but you may find you don't need them here."
"We would like to keep our horses," Abe said.
"I understand," Evan said. "City Hall is just up that way on Kearney if you need anything. Perhaps I can be of further assistance to you. Tomorrow is Sunday and my duties don't require me to follow the mayor around. Dinner perhaps?"
Abe nodded. "Please, it would be our pleasure to take you out to dinner for all your trouble. Thank you kindly."
Evan gave a short bow. "I'll be here at noon, maybe then we can go look at the city? Now let's unload your things and get you situated."
The rooms were pleasant and nicely furnished, a bargain at thirty dollars a month. Matthew took the horses out back to the stable and left instructions for their care. Zach and Abe unpacked their clothing and hung some of the items in the wardrobe. It was good to get out of the fancy clothes and into something comfortable.
"Next question, how will we fit in?" Zach asked.
"I just plan to be myself unless we get invited someplace fancy," Abe replied. "I'd like to buy a few more shirts, maybe another pair of shoes. But I don't plan to parade around in that top hat, it isn't me."
They ate dinner in a workingman's restaurant, the Bellamy, which was just up the street. The food was good and the price reasonable, Abe could see they would be back here for most of their meals. They walked up towards Union Square and found themselves looking up hill at a row of buildings.
"That's quite a hill," Matthew said. "Shall we climb higher?"
"We still have an hour before dark, let's go see what's up there," Zach said.
It took fifteen minutes to reach the top and see what was beyond. Facing the sunset they could look across the undulating scrub and sand to... nothing.
"The ocean is out there," Abe said. "Tomorrow we must go see it, it's why we came all this way."
"I suppose Evan will take us if we ask, do you suppose he has a horse?" Zach asked.
"I don't know," Abe said. "I gather out here not every man feels the need to own one." And then he smiled. "I want to ride in the ocean; can't you smell the salt in the air?"
"I knew this place smelled different, so it's salt from the ocean?" Matthew asked.
"They fought against the briny breeze to reach the western shore, and once they made their landfall true, they promised to sail no more," Zach said. "I read that somewhere, I hope I got it right."
"Music and now poetry, you are a wonder," Matthew said.
"We'll go see that western shore tomorrow, let's go back," Abe said.
Darkness fell just as they returned to the Drake, a good reason to retire. Matthew said good night and then paused. "You promised to bring me with you, and now you've kept that promise. I love you both," He said, and then promptly gave them a hug before closing the door to his room.
"What was that all about?" Zach asked as they undressed.
"He's a creature of conflicting emotions, or haven't you noticed?" Abe said. "We have endured quite a bit together; it's what makes us his family. I feel like his older brother."
Zach sat on the edge of the bed and pulled off his boots. "I want us all to make friends here; we need a way to become sociable. If the mayor introduces me to the musicians in town I will have friends, and you have already struck up an acquaintance with Mr. Clemens. It's Matthew's needs I worry about."
"He's a lot more grown up than most boys his age," Abe said. "Perhaps if he gets a job clerking in a store he'll get to meet some people."
Zach laughed. "Do you honestly think he'd survive working as a clerk?"
Abe shook his head. "No, not really. But maybe there's a trail outfitter around, he could be helpful in that capacity. Otherwise he just might end up as a stable hand."
"Yes, he does know animals... maybe he could drive one of those horse cars we saw?"
"Oh, there's an idea... they're on tracks, how hard can that be?" Abe said.
They celebrated their journey's end with some activity under the sheets, and then Zach fell promptly asleep. It was still a balmy evening outside and thru the open window Abe could hear the sound of people passing on the street. He lived in a city now, he'd better get used to it, but he knew that would take a while.
The end of a strange and different year was fast approaching. There had been no Thanksgiving celebrated in his mother's home since his father left, they had only gone to church that day as if it were Sunday. Christmas too had been without the joy Abe remembered as a child, this war had torn asunder all of that.
He turned his head and looked at Zach sleeping beside him. The boy's mother was probably off in New York by now, about as far away as could be. And Matthew, the boy held no close ties to what remained of his family. Both boys had been stalwart companions, and Abe felt the need to bring them some joy along with the sense of accomplishment for what they had achieved.
His eyes wandered over Zach's face, what had he done to deserve such a sweet boy? For months he had tried to fathom the depth of this love and the reasons behind it. He understood the pejorative for the desires they shared, the Biblical term sodomite still felt cruel and harsh. All he desired from Zach was the sweet and tender love they shared; there was nothing bad in what they wanted.
Abe had chosen a boy as his partner, in life and in love, it was that simple. And yet he knew that they would both face immediate condemnation if the facts were known. Here in a large city it would be easier to conceal, they were still young enough to avoid notice. Sharing as they did was just considered good economy, but what would happen if they became successful?
Zach would reach a higher pinnacle of awareness in the public eye with his music. Abe wasn't sure what to do about that, except do his best to keep up. He was mindful of the comments Sam Clemens had made, that his adventures were notable and that people would enjoy hearing about them. Abe decided he needed to find out what that meant.
Morning arrived and they returned to the Bellamy for breakfast after which they saddled their horses to await Evan's arrival. He was there before noon and dressed casually for their excursion.
"We'd like to see the ocean, if you please," Zach said.
Evan smiled. "Everyone does, it's why you came... isn't it? I brought a horse."
They rode north to the furthest point of the city and turned west. Evan explained that they were approaching Fort Point, the army installation that guarded the harbor. He pointed at the vast expanse of land.
"The site was fortified a hundred years ago by the Spanish and then abandoned when our military seized it back in forty-six. The fort was built at the start of the war, I guess the government was afraid the Confederacy would attack the city, but that's plain nonsense."
The hills looked out over the bay north of the city and they rode west following a worn road through the scrub and sand until there was no more land. Here they sat atop a rise and stared.
"There you go, that's the Pacific," Evan said.
The vast sweep of water ran to the horizon, a blue so deep and inviting it took Abe's breath away. Down from the hills they rode and out into the soft sands of a narrow beach. It was as Matthew said, the dream had been achieved. And Abe urged his horse into the water where the curling waves swept gently up on the sand.
The air, the briny breeze, swept across them and it was cool even as the sun felt warm upon their backs. The boys had never seen an ocean and Evan enjoyed the moment as they slid off their horses, removed their boots and waded in the cold foamy waters.
The joy they shared made them dear in Evan's mind, that and Coon's admonishment to see to their every need. Somehow these three were going to become important persons to the success of this city, he just didn't know how. But he had learned that Coon had an eye for talent and the man's wishes were not to be denied.
If only it had been summer he would urge them to swim, except maybe the sharks would be a danger here. He could see the strength of the relationship between these boys as they laughed and ran in the surf, running away from the surge of the waves washing up on the shore. From his perch on a sand dune he tried to formulate his thoughts about their future.
They were still so young, but the trip west must have made them grow up tremendously. Evan understood the maturing process. He had accompanied his father to this city onboard a ship, the easiest way to travel such a great distance. That was all some years before when his father had some business interests with Coon, the son was left behind to be groomed in business, and then Coon became political.
The city was still young and filled with single men. With the odds in their favor, women could choose from dozens of suitors. It left so many men without an outlet for their desires, and sometimes they shared those feelings with one another. It wasn't a well know fact, it would have been immediately condemned. But there were private groups, places where men could feel safe, and Evan was one of them.
He'd never been with a woman, but then he was only twenty-five and that wasn't unusual. There were bawdy houses; places he felt were so disgusting that he had no desire to pursue what would not be pleasurable. But his gentleman's club provided a discreet outlet, and he wondered if Abe or Zach would find it interesting.
Evan had known from the first moment that Abe was the leader in all things the boys decided to do. Coon had mentioned some fantastic story about the boy fighting for the Confederacy, it only served to confuse. But he knew that was the real reason his father had brought him here. The family was pacifist; Evan had to leave to avoid the draft.
Yes, Abe was the oldest, and Zach was... was the most beautiful boy Evan had ever seen. There were some like that in the club, soft men, men who enjoyed playing the feminine role. But Zach was strong of purpose, an artist, he would require watching.
And then there was Matthew, the youngest and yet his eyes spoke of a fierce loyalty whenever he looked at his companions. The curious birthmark did nothing to distract from his distinctly courageous manner, and that made him handsome. Matthew might be the strongest of the three if it came to trouble, and that made Evan wonder what the boy would likely become.
Abe ran over and plopped down in the sand. "This has been so much fun, do you swim?"
Evan laughed. "Yes, but not in winter... and there are sharks. But come summer there are those who bathe in the cool currents and bask in the sun. This is a good place for picnics as well."
"Oh yes, that would be marvelous," Abe said.
They were lucky that the day was warm instead of overcast and rainy like much of the season. Evan suggested they might dawdle a while and then seek lunch. He wanted to show them the Pavilion because Zach might end up playing music there, and then he thought they might attend Maguire's Opera House in the evening.
"Opera... you have opera in San Francisco?" Zach asked.
"Yes... of a sort. The owner is named Tom Maguire, he's quite a character and... I would say his presentation of opera is unique... different."
"Uh oh, what does that mean?" Abe asked.
"He likes to present the ladies quite bare, at least to some degree. I'll take you there because it's great fun. Just don't tell the mayor you've been, he'll skin me alive."
"But they have music, singing?" Zach asked.
"Oh yes, they have lots of that," Evan laughed. "Now I know an excellent place for lunch."
They had lunch at the Bellamy, a place Evan had discovered years before. Abe admitted this was their third meal here and they all laughed. Afterwards they walked up to Union Square.
The Mechanic's Pavilion was a large rambling wooden affair with a large central dome, and it was filled with all sorts of mechanical items that seemed to interest Matthew more than the others. Zach gazed at the open space which could seat hundreds of people; it was here that musical performances were held. He stood before the stage and clapped his hands, listening to the sound reverberate in the vast space.
"Goodness, what an echo chamber," He said.
"That's not good, is it?" Abe asked.
"No, it's not. It's hard to play a new note when your last one is still bouncing off the walls, but at least it seats a large audience. I wonder what this opera house we'll see tonight is like."
Evan was a little nervous as they entered the opera house. "Coon probably has his spies about; he'd like nothing better than to catch Maguire doing something illegal. They've had an ongoing feud for years and the church people would love to see this place shut down on Sundays."
"It's grand," Zach said. "Look how bright it is inside."
"All the latest features, gas lights... Maguire is one of the first to have them," Evan said.
The audience was rowdy even as the small orchestra began to play. There were a few ladies with their gentlemen in private boxes but the majority of the crowd was men. The lights dimmed and the curtains parted on a set of painted rocks, a rough coastline. And then a woman walked on stage wearing ancient armor.
Abe gazed in wonder at the woman who appeared quite large and less than attractive, but she certainly could sing. On and on she droned and the audience became restless. Then out from the sides came a quartet of sprightly young ladies in flowing transparent costumes and they danced. The audience came alive with whistles and cat-calls, men applauding and pointing at the stage.
The woman in armor moved to one side as a horse trotted onstage, carrying what appeared to be a naked woman. The men went wild at her appearance and Abe guessed that's why most of them were here. At a closer glance it was obvious the woman was not naked just dressed in a skin tight, and flesh colored, costume. It all went downhill from there.
The armored singer shrieked her song as the woman on the horse dismounted and almost fell, losing her long blonde wig in the process. The horse spooked and almost kicked one of the dancers causing the audience to respond with laughter. Even the orchestra seemed to stumble, and the opera became a shambles.
In all, when the opera was quite over, Abe thought they'd had a wonderful time and he could see Evan agreed. They found a small tavern after the show and Evan ordered brandy which he shared with Abe, Zach and Matthew kept to their beer.
"Do you know Mr. Clemens?" Abe asked.
"Oh yes, he's quite the fellow," Evan replied. "He writes a rich view of the city, wonderful sense of humor."
"I found that true," Abe said. "He was quite entertaining when we met in Sacramento."
"I've seen him at the opera house; he usually attends when he's in town. But the man is an incessant traveler, here there and everywhere it seems from his articles."
"I suppose I ought to look him up this week," Abe said.
Evan sipped at his brandy and nodded. "We'll have to see that you do."
But Mayor Coon had other ideas. They met with him mid-week and he gave them each an envelope.
"A letter of introduction," Coon said. "I know you'll be out and about the city, this may open a few doors for you."
"Thank you," Abe said.
Coon nodded. "Now I've been talking to a few people... interesting people. Zachary here now has an invitation to tea with Mrs. Jennifer Ardmore tomorrow afternoon, that's four o'clock sharp, young man."
"Should I know her?" Zach asked.
"Evan will explain. Matthew, you have an appointment on Friday morning at the Public Works Department, there you will see Mr. Hall in the planning department. The city is expanding, gentlemen. I think Matthew can be of assistance in the land survey they need to conduct."
Coon nodded his head. "I have yet to find anything that might suit you, Mr. Wheelwright. I would like for you to go talk to Billy Ralston at the Bank of California. If anyone can find something that suits your talents that will be our Billy, he's known as Mr. No Nonsense. Again, Evan will be of assistance in helping you there.
"Gentlemen, the year is drawing to a close and yet your lives here are just beginning. In my estimation you will all become successful men and contribute greatly to the growth of our fair city by the bay. You need anything further from me just let me know."
They adjourned to the Bellamy and Evan had them seated at a corner table. "Yes, I suppose there is much to discuss at this point. Would you like to ask questions or should I just run off my list?"
"I'm sure we all have questions, but why don't you begin by explaining the people the mayor just mentioned," Abe said.
"Good, I can do that. William Hall is our engineer planning the westward expansion and it's a huge undertaking. Matthew would be in on the ground floor of planning the streets and grading in that area. As you've already seen this town is built on a giant sand pile filled with hills, and all that will have to be tamed for this to succeed."
"But I don't know the first thing about survey work," Matthew said.
"I imagine you can learn. It's a city job, a place to start, that's all. The mayor has used his influence to get you in the department; he did the same for me. Maybe it's not what you want as a career, at least give it a try," Evan said.
"I should, have to start somewhere if I'm gonna be mayor," Matthew said with a laugh.
Evan smiled. "I don't see why anyone would want that job. Now to Mrs. Ardmore, she's the social queen of the city, there's no doubt about that. Her husband owns a fair share of the Comstock Mine; she gets to spend his money. And what she loves above all else is music, and that's where Zach comes in."
"Ahh, a patron of the arts," Zach said.
"Exactly, and she's the biggest around. The mayor taught at school for many years, and this woman owns the Ardmore Academy, a fine little school run by her son, Winston. He trained as a musician in New York, and London I believe. They are the key to your musical future here as I'm sure you must know. I expect she'd like to hear you play at her tea party."
"I can do that," Zach said. "Do I have to go alone?"
"No, take Abe with you, he might find it amusing."
"Amusing? So you've done this before?" Abe asked.
"She always invites the Emperor to attend, it's him you will find amusing," Evan said.
"Emperor? What am I missing, emperor of what?"
"Of The United States, San Francisco... it depends upon which day you ask him," Evan laughed. "Mr. Norton, Emperor Norton, is one of our colorful figures; he's a distinguished joke around the city. He doesn't quite have all his marbles."
"And he goes to tea with Mrs. Ardmore? Is he a fool or what?" Abe asked.
"He is that, but the folks around town like him, they put up with his eccentricities. Last year the soldiers out at Fort Point gave him a blue uniform to wear, he's always in it now." Evan shook his head. "You must forgive him, he's a sad figure. Norton was a rich man who lost everything on a business gamble; it affected his mind I believe. But he's harmless, and he's become the city mascot."
"This should prove interesting," Abe said.
"No, interesting would be your first conversation with Billy Ralston, he's the wealthiest man in town... and also the biggest crook."
"Oh? I don't need to associate with criminals... "Abe began.
"Crook is a flexible term in his case," Evan said. "He's the most ambitious banker and business man in town... ruthless and cold-blooded most think. He's butted heads with the mayor on many occasions, but they have a grudging respect for one another. His assets include most of the land Matthew might survey. He also owns a great deal of the Comstock that Mrs. Ardmore depends upon, his empire is interconnected with most of the people in town."
"So Coon wants me to go work for Ralston... and spy on him, is that it?" Abe asked.
"Perish the thought... but if you do hear anything helpful I would be most grateful, and so would the mayor," Evan said.
Abe laughed, and then nodded. "I can do that."
"Figured you could," Evan said.
The rest of November was filled with activity. Matthew was hired by the Planning Department and spent the next few weeks learning that William Hall was a meticulous engineer who dealt with numbers better than people. But although the actual survey wouldn't take place until spring he assigned Matthew to gather together the necessary materials to serve their needs.
It meant the boy would have months to learn how the surveying tools Hall had in the office worked, and he enjoyed that. Each evening he returned to the Drake in time for dinner with his companions, when they were available.
Zach had become Mrs. Ardmore's darling boy and she aligned him with some of the better musicians in town. Emil Rogers on viola, Victor Hauser on cello and Beatrice Campbell on piano came together with Zach in her spacious parlor to form a quartet.
Mrs. Ardmore became Aunt Jenny to Zach, and it was obvious she adored him as if he were her real nephew. The quartet met twice a week for practice, and they planned a concert at the Pavilion in the spring. Aunt Jenny assured him they would be the sensation of the Spring Fair. And that left Abe.
Billy Ralston knew C.H. pretty well, and laughed when he had Abe tell the story of the aborted holdup outside Placerville. He asked a lot of questions, and then taking a liking to the boy invited him to lunch at the Occidental Hotel. Abe had appeared for the meeting in his best clothes, and still felt underdressed in that finest of restaurants.
Billy it seems was also a fan of Mr. Clemens, and it was from him that Abe learned where the great man had been hiding.
"The paper fired him, some disagreement with the editor. But he's too good for them; he needs to keep sending his stories to the magazines back east. Because of him San Francisco has the reputation as a fine city; he ought to be on our payroll."
Billy laughed. "But he's gone up to Angel's Camp on the Stanislaus River panning for traces of gold. I'd hate to tell him he's wasting his time, that area is pretty well played out. So you became friends?"
"We have a lot in common, I think we could become good friends," Abe said.
"You have an interesting collection of acquaintances for someone so young," Billy said with a smile. "Henry Coon and I don't always see eye to eye, but he does know talent when he sees it. I believe I can find something for a young man like you to do, especially one who knows how to fire a gun."
Billy did seem to know everyone in town, and as they ate lunch he talked about the lawlessness of the city not too many years in the past. "How would you feel about carrying a badge?" Billy finally asked.
"A badge... like a deputy?" Abe asked.
"I need someone with authority to go places for me. A deputy marshal's badge would make things a lot easier for you when you're on the trail."
"Can you do that... is it legal?" Abe asked.
"It will be, you'll be an official lawman... just that you'll be workin for me, but no one has to know that. The governor himself will make the appointment so everything will be legal. What do you think?"
Abe grinned and shook his head. "You sure do get what you want."
Billy smiled. "Count on it."
Abe didn't see the man again for several weeks, time enough for the Christmas season to be upon them and the sudden delight of remembering that Zach's birthday was three days before the Christ child's. Turning seventeen without the benefit of a family celebration could have been depressing, but Abe could not allow such a thing to happen.
The arrangements for the birthday party were kept secret from the recipient and for his part Zach remained ignorant of Abe's plans. The day dawned and Zach was given birthday greetings and a kiss before rising from his bed. Even Matthew shared his affections before dressing and leaving for work.
"I hope you don't have anything planned," Zach said.
"No, nothing special, but I did make dinner plans for the three of us," Abe said.
"Good, that suits me just fine."
Abe took him shopping, wishing to buy only a small present and therefore thinking it practical that Zach be the one to choose it. Only Abe knew of the grand gift Mrs. Ardmore had planned, but Zach would think it extravagant. For quite some time Abe had realized that no one could tell a person with money how to spend it, Aunt Jenny was no exception.
And so the day passed in quiet conversation, the birthday gift a simple pocket watch that Zach chose and Abe paid for, the deception was complete. Matthew came home from work and they dressed for dinner in their most splendid clothing, it was only then that Abe revealed they were dining at the Occidental Hotel.
There was a carriage standing in front of the Drake House when they came out the door and Abe motioned towards it.
"I thought we might travel uptown in style, after all, it is your birthday," Abe said.
Zach looked pleased, but then his smile disappeared. "What else have you done?"
"Nothing else, I assure you," Abe said. "Matthew, have I done anything else?"
Matthew shook his head. "No, it's just a dinner."
The ride to the hotel was short, but the carriage kept the wind off their faces and the mud off their boots. The doorman opened the carriage door and they stepped down on the sidewalk. The lobby was muted, only a few people wandering around. Abe walked them towards the dining room where a man stood in front of the doors.
"I'm sorry, sir... the dining room is full at this time, and we're seating the overflow in the ball room. This way if you please."
Matthew walked ahead but Zach pulled on Abe's arm. "This looks suspicious, I think you're up to something," Zach said.
"Me? Certainly not, I would never go against your wishes for a quiet little celebration."
The doors to the ballroom loomed and Matthew stood to one side ready to open them, and then Zach was there and the doors were thrown open. The two hundred guests all clapped at his arrival and Zach looked stunned.
He turned to Abe. "You said... "
"I would never do such a thing, but she's your Aunt Jenny and there's no stopping her."
Zach laughed, realizing the truth in that statement.
The hall was decorated for Christmas, there was even an orchestra. The Ardmore's had scoured the town for musicians, which meant the Opera House would be short a few people in the orchestra pit this evening.
There were friends and unfamiliar faces, all glowing under the largesse of Aunt Jenny's kind invitation. Champagne flowed and a grand dinner was served, but as it ended the hostess stood to announce that her little chamber group would now perform.
"I didn't bring my violin," Zach whispered in Abe's ear.
"I imagine she's thought of that as well," Abe replied.
Mrs. Ardmore motioned for Zach to approach her end of the table where a violin case sat with a big red bow tied on it.
"Zachary... I tried very hard to find the kind of violin you might like to own, but there are no Stradivarius violins in the country. Please accept this violin which Victor assures me is quite valuable and will benefit your musical career greatly."
"Aunt Jenny... you didn't have to... " Zach began.
"But I did, don't you see? Our young prodigy must have the very best. Go on, it's yours to keep," Jenny said.
Zach pulled off the bow and opened the case. The violin was a beauty and Zack looked up at Victor, their cellist. "You chose this?"
He nodded. "It's a Klotz, made by Johann himself. It's German, Zach... I thought you would appreciate that."
Zach lifted the instrument from its case and caressed the maple soundboard. "It's beautiful, thank you... thank you all."
The chamber group gathered and Zach worked to fine tune the instrument with the piano, then they were ready to play. And such a sound, Abe was swept away by the pride he felt for the boy and the wonderful way he played his new violin.
But as Abe sat next to Mrs. Ardmore during the performance she reached over and took his hand. "Finally," She whispered. "Finally our city has the best musicians in the west. You must be very proud of your boy."
He was, Abe was very proud, and it wasn't until later that he wondered if Jenny understood the relationship he had with Zach. There was no way he could ask, it would not be something she might discuss.
Their first Christmas in San Francisco was a marvel even if thoughts of family and home intruded, they were happy. The New Year was filled with a strange and wondrous celebration, as only San Francisco could offer. The Chinese in the city made fireworks and sold them by the hundreds for the celebration.
The sights and sounds filled the streets, as did the clang of the fire department wagon responding to several small fires set by the explosions. Like many other people, Abe took them into the hills to see the displays and share a bottle of brandy.
"Our first New Year in San Francisco," Zach said. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would end up here."
"I suppose I could have gone on to Oregon, but then I would have missed all this," Matthew said. "You know your boss is going to build on this spot, just about where we're sitting."
"Now what?" Abe said.
"A hotel, plans say it's going to be the biggest around. Wish we owned land out here, when Market Street expands it's gonna be worth a fortune."
"I can't see buying a pile of sand and waiting for it to become valuable, Matthew" Abe said. "Guys like Ralston can afford to but not us."
"We will some day," Zach said. "It might take years, but we will."
Abe put an arm across Zach's shoulders. "I sure hope you're right."
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