Читать книгу The Long Journey - Susan Wright - Страница 2

The air was brilliantly clear as is often the case in the mountains during the fall of the year. The man sat relaxed on the bullock cart as he made his slow way into Arrowtown. He made these journeys twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring. Life was hard but simple on the rugged hill farm at the turn of the century. He had few needs and even fewer wants. He pondered over his life as he often did on these trips and thought how different life would have been had his beloved wife Helga been still alive. They had come to this remote part of the world with such dreams of running a high country sheep farm. It was true he still had his dreams but Helga lay buried with the child that had cost her life. He mentally shook himself to get rid of these sad thoughts.

Then he looked at his two greatest companions in life. One a rather small black and white collie named Moss and a larger dog of unidentified breed named Bing which many would term a mongrel. His dogs, he thought, were almost human. He talked constantly to them and told them of his problems. He looked at Bing and noticed he had a slight limp. He made a mental note to get something for him when in town. He patted them both and told them it wasn’t much further to go. One of the many things he enjoyed at the end of these trips was a drink of cool beer at one of the local Hotels. As it was the only town for miles around there were plenty to choose from. They included the Golden Age, Morning Star, Evening Star, New Orleans, Royal Oak, Provincial and the Bully Hayes Hotel. These were needed to serve the gold miners who came here from all parts of the world. He knew it was not only beer that was offered on these premises. However that did not interest him that part of his life had died along with wife.

He was on the final descent down towards the Arrow river, at this time of year it was easy to ford. He was happy to be near the end of his journey. It was then he noticed a woman sitting under a large willow tree. He could tell even from a distance that she wasn’t one of the usual types that were found in this part of the world. They were either built the size of a bullock or worked like one. Life was tough here and especially so for the women. The other type of women here made their living on the fringe of society. This was a part of society that nobody acknowledged. At a distance some of these unfortunate woman looked attractive but up close one was aware of the drained lost look of one who is living but not alive. At a glance he could tell that this woman was different. She was slim maybe too slim. She was dressed well and held herself erect. But even at this distance he was aware that she had been crying even though she was making a valiant effort to disguise it. Well it’s none of my business he told himself. Being a man not given to emotion yet with an inbuilt feeling of justice and fair play he felt there was something about this woman that he couldn’t ignore. Calling out ‘Woo-oop’ the two big bullocks came to a stop. ‘Would you like a ride into town?’

‘Thank you for your offer, but I will be fine.’

‘Well I wouldn’t sit there too long if I was you, it’s no place for a lady.’

There was no doubt that she was a lady. She spoke with a slight upper crust English inflection in her voice. What she was doing out here in the middle of nowhere he couldn’t guess, but there was nothing else he could do.

‘Good day to you then.’ With a slight nod of his head he set off again. With a prod of the whip he called out ‘Hoi-hoi.’ with that the muscles on the two large bullocks strained as they pulled the cart forward. Helmut preferred to use bullocks rather than horses as they were quieter than horses and easier to catch. Also they were gentle, obedient and steady. Their cloven hooves helped to stop them sinking into boggy ground or slipping in steep places. When used as a team as Helmut was doing they had to match each other in size and weight. Red and Bully these two were called and responded instantly to their master’s ‘Hoi-hoi’ and pulled away. After one final look back at the woman Helmut again settled down to the journey.

The sun was right overhead when the town came into view. It was built on a rise above the river and each time he saw the town he couldn’t help but be affected by the beauty of this part of the country especially at this time of the year with the autumn colours in all their glory. It was a self contained community which was understandable due to the difficulties of communicating with the outside world. The coach and buggy being the only means of transport to the larger towns of the region. Less than forty years ago in 1863 there had been over 2,000 miners on the Arrow river. It was reported that in just one day a party cradled 109 ounces of gold. At the time it was worth between 400 and 500 pounds. With the opening of the gorge to all-comers there was a great deal of confusion because of the readjustments of the boundaries to the legal limit. This resulted in the well ordered life of the pioneers being upset by the civil disorder. It was then known as the place where the reign of law had least control. The wildest of wild diggers had gathered here. Although there were few major crimes life was still far from dull. Law breakers were handled in a unique way. Staples were driven into a huge log to which chains were attached and the prisoners were shackled to the log by the chains. There was a tale told of a gigantic Irishman who was arrested for being helplessly drunk and chained to the log. When he awoke he wanted a drink and seeing he was chained he hoisted the log onto his shoulders and walked to the nearest pub where he was found later by the police still attached to the log.

Dancing saloons, drinking shanties and gambling halls flourished. Licensing laws were unknown at this stage. Sergeant-Major Bracken was sent to take charge and enforce the law. In a short space of time he achieved this goal and as the years went by and families began to increase Arrowtown became less of a gold field’s town and more a centre of community life. Now the town was well served by professionals and tradesmen. As for the town itself it consisted of one long main street, Buckingham Street. At this stage it was a long shingle road with a row of single storied wooden buildings along each side. At the eastern end were picturesque cottages with neat picket fences which enclosed gardens reminiscent of those found in England. In the year 1867 a meeting had been held at which a proposal was made to obtain some English trees and plant an avenue. Beautiful deciduous trees were planted which were to become Arrowtown’s proudest possession. As well as the several hotels the town could boast of other services such as a Seed and Grain merchant. The Bank being essential with sometimes large claims being lodged. A General store, Barber shop and a Blacksmith who would also pull teeth if one was that desperate. There was also a carpenters shop selling basic household items. At the rear of the carpenters shop was the local undertaker.

On the outer edges of town were two well known establishments one was a solid jail which had more than it’s fair share of occupants on a Saturday night. The other place was a house of ill repute. Miss Millicent’s house was occupied by ‘Ladies’ of dubious character. Past the cottages and set well back from the street surrounded by trees was the Doctor’s house. Nearby stood the cottage hospital which had been built in 1878. The current Doctor was one Doctor John Bell Thomson who had been trained in Edinburgh University. He had become superintendent of the hospital in 1894. His wife was a talented pianist and possessed a pleasing contralto voice. Both took leading parts in the Arrow Glee Club productions such as the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera performances. Doctor Thomson had a keen sense of duty and once walked to Skippers a distance of twenty miles to visit a sick patient. Snow was so thick at the time that not even horse drawn traffic would negotiate the roads. The hospital was run by a committee and every New Years Eve they held a Ball in aid of the hospital. Tickets were a Guinea and it was the social event of the year.

However this was far from Helmut’s mind as he made his way into town. He was very thirsty but he would leave his drink of beer until he had finished his business. Instead he chose to have a refreshing drink of cool water. There was a water race that ran down the street on this was fixed a tap from which people drew water. Each tap was well boarded round and a chain with a mug attached was fixed on the wood work. Later a reservoir was built and water piped into town. At first there was not enough pipes to lay on to each house so two or more shared one tap. At this stage Helmut was more than thankful for a mug of cool clear mountain fresh water. It was to the general store that he went first. He gave them his list of requirements and said he would return later. From there he crossed the street where two small boys were playing with a dog that defied description or breed but never the less smiling from ear to ear with pleasure at all the attention. Helmut entered the Barbers shop run by a short fat jolly Irishman by the name of James Dooley. His wife was the local midwife so between the two of them they knew all that was happening or going to happen in the town.

‘Well hullo there James Dooley, are you still overcharging your customers?’

‘Helmut my friend how are you?’ he said. Genuine pleasure showing on his face at seeing his old friend again. ‘If all my customers were like you and only came twice a year I wouldn’t be able to make a living at all.’

‘Well you can always go back to growing spuds; you Irish are good at that.’

‘And to be sure haven’t I seen enough spuds to do me a lifetime. My poor wife would never forgive me if I did that.’

‘How is Jean?’

‘You know Jean; always so busy helping some poor soul. I am sure her face is the first face that half the people in this town saw when they arrived into this world.’ He thought of his wife of twenty years, as wide as she was tall. To everyone that met her she was a picture of health and happiness but only he knew of the deep emptiness within her. When they first married they joked that they wanted at least a dozen kids but as the years went by they stopped joking about it in fact they didn’t even talk about it any more. Jean was nearing forty and they accepted that the dream had to be buried. Maybe that was why she took up being a midwife at least it was a share in someone else’s happiness. Helmut was well aware of the inner sufferings of his friends James and Jean although they did their best to hide these.

‘Come the spring why don’t you bring Jean out to the farm, goodness only knows the place could do with a woman’s touch.’

‘You are a grand man Helmut despite the fact that you are German. I just might take you up on that offer.’

The two old friends laughed and got down to the serious business of cutting hair. They spent an enjoyable half hour catching up with all the gossip of the town and complaining about the weather and the rise in prices. They then drank a cup of tea and ate a large slice of Jeans fruit cake. They were making their plans for the following spring when Helmut remembered the woman.

‘I saw the strangest thing on my way into town. There was a well dressed woman sitting on the side of the road. She had been crying so I offered her a lift into town but she refused. I didn’t like leaving her out there who knows what could happen to her.’

‘Was she in her early twenties, dark hair, rather pretty and spoke with an English accent?’

‘That’s her. I didn’t want to leave her there a woman like that is not safe. Who is she? Do you know her?’

‘Well I know that her name is Katherine Marchant she was a governess in England. Apparently she came out here against her parent’s wishes to marry someone named John I can’t recall his surname. But anyway remember that big flood we had after the winter thaw well this John was one of the three men that were drowned and by the time that word got back to England she was on her way here. As you can imagine when she arrived here she was just devastated, poor thing, she stayed with the doctor and his wife for a while in fact I thought she was still there. Maybe I should have a word with the Sergeant.’

‘Yes, I agree that would be good idea. Well James I have enjoyed our chat but it’s time that I collected my order and get back to the dogs before they coming looking for me. Then it’s a quick beer and I will be on my way.’

‘Are you sure you won’t come for a meal? Jean will be disappointed not to see you.’

‘I really must be on my way this time but give Jean my love and I will look forward to seeing you both in the spring.’

Feeling much more respectable due to his haircut he retraced his steps to the general store and collected his supplies. He put them on the barrow to take back to the cart that he had left in the care of the dogs. When he arrived he stopped dead in his tracks as there sitting on the back of his cart with his dogs was a very small Chinaman. The small man had a dog on each side of him in fact Bing was letting him look at his paw.

‘What’s going on here?’

‘Your dog, he had a thorn in his paw. I take out and put on velly good ointment.’

‘Thank you.’ He waited for the Chinaman to move but it became apparent that he had no intention of moving in fact he noticed that there was a black bag and a wooden box also on the cart. ‘I will have to ask you to leave as I want to load up now.’

‘Me come with you now, me velly good cook.’

‘Look I don’t need a cook there is only me.’

‘Me velly good housekeeper.’

‘I don’t need a housekeeper either.’

‘Me velly good gardener.’

‘I don’t have a garden.’

‘Me velly good animal doctor.’

‘I have a stockman that takes care of the animals.’

‘Me velly good…’

‘I am getting velly, I mean very tired of this. I don’t need a cook, or a housekeeper or a gardener or a doctor of any kind. I appreciate what you did for my dog but please get off my cart so I can load my supplies.’

Still the Chinaman sat absolutely still without muttering a word.

‘Well there is only one thing for it I will have to move you myself.’ He was not a violent man but at this point he was very angry. He was about to step forward and grab this small man when something about his manner cautioned him. Just the way he sat perfectly still with an intent gaze made him feel uneasy. At the back of his mind he could vaguely remember reading somewhere about these people that they were well able to hold there own in a fight. Whatever it was he advanced no further and thought it might be more prudent to get the Sergeant. After all there was no point in relying on the dogs for any assistance. ‘Traitorous mongrels’ he muttered to himself. He hastily unloaded the supplies. Leaving them on the ground he strode back into town. He was about to ask the whereabouts of the Sergeant when he noticed him coming out of the barber shop. Even though feeling annoyed at the delay he was pleased that James had kept to his word to speak to the Sergeant regarding the woman he had met. Why he felt that way he couldn’t explain even to himself.

‘Sergeant Bracken would you come with me I have a small problem back at the wagon.’

‘Certainly Sir, what’s the nature of this problem?’

‘It’s a Chinaman; he refuses to get off my cart.’

‘Has he caused any damage?’

‘No that’s not the problem, I just want to load up and get on my way and he has the mistaken idea that he is coming with me.’

‘Is this man dressed in the traditional Chinese garb and does he have a very long pigtail?’

‘That’s him.’

‘His name is Too Gum Shue.’

‘Too Gum who?’

‘Too Gum Shue. He came here from China to work in the gold fields but he hated it and has been pestering everyone one in the town to give him work. The Chinese here normally keep to themselves and are very little trouble in fact they are a very placid mysterious kind of people. One almost feels sorry for them the way they in an almost apologetic way follow the gold miners and work the forsaken tail races.’

Helmut was in no mood to listen to the virtues of the Chinese race but the Sergeant seemed intent on talking and so he could do little else but listen as they walked side by side back to the cart. ‘They are an incomprehensible people, it’s their belief that a man must be buried in his native country to attain to immortality. I can tell you that this leads to all manner of difficulties. But I have to admit that they put up with an awful lot. I don’t know if you have ever seen any of their houses they are the simplest of dwellings. They are usually made out of sun dried sods but for the roofs they use anything from old rice bags to tussocks. Mind you they are usually warm and dry. I admit to admiring them as a race they work long and hard. Too Gum Shue has never caused any problems but he doesn’t seem to fit in somehow.’

As they came to the end of the street the cart came into view and Helmut was amazed to see that it was neatly loaded with all the supplies. The animals had all been watered and the dogs were sitting quietly waiting to go home and not a sign of the Chinaman his black bag or wooden box.

‘Well I’m sorry about this Sergeant I seem to have called you for nothing.’

‘That’s all right sir at least the problem is resolved.’

Little did he know the ‘problem’ as he called it was far from solved. It had been an eventful day and Helmut would be pleased to get out of the place and back onto the hills. He would get as far as he could before sunset which in this part of the world was quite late. That was one of the things that Helga had loved, the long twilight. He drove on for about three hours just enjoying his own company and that of the dogs until he came to level ground not too far from the river with some trees for shelter as this time of year the nights could be cold. He got down from the cart and yawned and stretched. He was feeling quite tired from the journey. He would make camp and then prepare himself a meal. He unhitched the animals and saw to their needs then calling the dogs he said, ‘Right you two, neither of you smell too clean and neither do I so it’s into the river for the three of us.’ As if they understood every word they bounded off towards the river. They were soon standing on the river bank full of anticipation. Being no one for miles around Helmut stripped off naked and drew in a deep breath waiting for the intense cold to hit him. After the initial shock the three of them played and splashed like small children. After an invigorating rub down he was just adjusting his braces when he became aware that the dogs were no longer with him. Well they must have gone back to camp, he thought, perhaps they are hungry. He was aware that his own stomach was being to growl with the lack of food.

As he dressed and started back he saw smoke rising from the camp site. Not feeling really afraid never the less he approached with caution. As he did so he smelt the delicious aroma of something cooking. Even before he saw the black bag and wooden box on the back of the wagon he knew who it was. Until the day he died he was never to know how this small man covered the same distance on foot as he had with the wagon. Yet here he was with a meal prepared and still looking fresh.

‘Me make rabbit stew, velly good.’ He handed Helmut a plate with what he had to admit was the tastiest meal he had eaten for some time. They both ate in silence.

‘I can’t pay you very much, if you insist on coming with me.’ He was well aware that he had little choice in the matter anyway.

‘Me no want any money, just a place to sleep and enough to eat, me velly small and no eat velly much.’ As if to prove the point he placed his half eaten meal on the ground.

‘Eat your meal man before the dogs get it. They are not known for their good manners.’ They both resumed eating. When Helmut had finished he leaned back against the tree watching as the Chinaman cleaned the plates and set about making a billy of tea. He noticed that even at the end of the day his white Mandarin shirt was still spotlessly clean. He wore a small black cap and black trousers. Why, he wondered do Chinese always wear trousers that are too short. Still short trousers or no short trousers he had to admire the methodical way that this small man went about his work just as if there was a set move to even the smallest of tasks.

Later after several cups of hot tea he said, ‘You go to bed Too Gum I’m going for a stroll first’. The dogs normally accompanied him on these walks. However this time they preferred to stay with their new friend. Not for the first time today did he feel piqued with them. He walked to the river but he felt somehow strangely unsettled and so decided to return to camp and try and get some sleep. It must have been early hours of the morning that he woke with a start. He knew instinctively that something was not quite right; the dogs were alert and giving a low growl as they do when something is wrong. He looked across at Too Gum and in the moonlight he could see that he also was wide awake although not moving a muscle. He slowly eased himself up out of his bed roll all the while cursing himself for leaving his double barrel shotgun on the back of the wagon. He felt that every hair on the back of his neck was standing on end. Even though it was a very cold night he could feel his palms sweating yet his throat was bone dry.

‘Who is there?’ He called, trying to sound much more courageous than he felt. He was not a man to swear; in fact even the workers on the farm did not use bad language, in his presence at least. But at this instance he let out such words that even he didn’t know he knew. Walking down the track there was what appeared to be an apparition. The figure seemed to float out of the mist with the moon right behind it and then suddenly let out a loud moan and collapsed in a heap. The dogs retreated under the wagon but there was barely enough space as Too Gum had beaten them to it.

Well, up until this point I didn’t believe in ghosts he thought but even I know that ghosts don’t fall down. There was no point in getting the gun as whatever it was it posed no threat now. He walked the few yards up towards the thing on the ground then he too let out a loud moan,

‘Too Gum come here quick I need your assistance.’ It was the woman he had met on the road earlier. ‘Oh please don’t let her be dead.’ He bent down and felt for a pulse. There was a slight pulse and ever so gently he put his arms under her and lifted her up. He could feel her bones as if there was no flesh at all on them. ‘You poor, poor girl, even my dogs have more flesh on them than you.’ By this time Too Gum had put more logs on to burn and spread out a blanket as close to the fire as was safe. They wrapped her in the blanket and Helmut sat with her head on his knee all the while trying to rub life back into her frozen flesh.

‘Too Gum, under the seat on the wagon you will find a bottle of whiskey bring it as quick as you can and another blanket. I said under the seat, not in the back.’

But Too Gum was to intent on what he was doing to pay any heed. From under his shirt he extracted a key that he kept on a single gold chain. He then inserted the key in the lock of the wooden box which contained a perplexing array of small bottles and jars. He quickly selected a bottle and poured a few drops into a tiny blue and white porcelain container. Replacing the bottle and locking the box he got down from the wagon. Adding some water to the container he came over to the woman.

‘You please hold her head back and try to open her mouth a little.’

‘I sure hope you know what you’re doing.

Ever so gently he poured the liquid into her mouth. ‘This ancient Chinese recipe soon make lady well, velly good.’

‘I wonder how long since she has eaten.’

‘I make plenty hot sweet tea.’

Her eyes flickered open for just a second but she didn’t really see anything. At least she is alive, Helmut thought. At the same time wondering why should he should care so much. Perhaps it was because his own daughter would have been about this age now if she had lived. He hoped that if she was in a similar situation someone would have been kind to her. She began to stir and he placed her head on a pillow. He continued to hold her hand and talk quietly and soothingly to her. When she finally regained consciousness she looked about her in stark terror.

‘It’s all right my dear there is no need to be afraid. We found you on the road; you are very safe with us. ‘Helmut reassured her.

At the mention of the word us she looked about to see who else was there. ‘Don’t be frightened, it is only Too Gum and me. He gave you some medicine that has helped to revive you. Do you think you could sit up and drink something?’

He put his arms gently under hers and eased her up and positioned the pillow between her and the wheel of the wagon. ‘Now lean back, try and drink this.’

Too Gum handed her a mug of hot tea with what Helmut suspected had a little drop of something added to it. She sipped the tea and felt the warmth flow through her.

‘You are both very kind, I am so sorry to be a bother to you.’

‘It would be a sad world if we couldn’t extend the hand of human kindness to those in need and I assure you it is no bother. Are you hungry? I know for a fact that Too Gum makes the best rabbit stew I have ever eaten.’

She nodded her head, ‘Yes please, I am a little hungry.’ It was at this stage that the tears began to flow. Not in a great fit of crying but just gently rolling down her cheeks. Helmut was searching in his pocket for a handkerchief when Too Gum handed him a spotlessly clean white one. She was making no effort at all to wipe the tears herself. Helmut leaned forward and with a gentleness that even he didn’t know he possessed he wiped her eyes then her cheeks Then as if she was a small child he held the handkerchief to her nose and told her to blow. Not a word was spoken while this was being done.

‘Now don’t cry any more. I am sure that Too Gum,s stew does not need any more liquid.’

Her bottom lip was trembling and the tears were threatening to come again when he handed her a plate of stew and thinly sliced bread such as a lady would eat.

‘Thank you Too Gum, it smells delicious.’

As if to get in on the act Moss came forward and sat down beside her and laid his paw on her knee. ‘Oh you are beautiful.’ She said, and stroked his ears.

‘He is also very crafty and no doubt hopes that if he looks pleading enough you will leave him some.’

She gave a watery smile. Helmut was glad that at least she must be feeling a little better. He had the strangest desire to hold her tight in his arms and let her cry her heart out. In case she should read his thoughts he got up and pretended to stoke the fire. There being no need to do this as it was burning well. She ate heartily of the stew and drank two cups of tea, and then she lent back and let out a long sigh.

Helmut looked at her and sensing her weariness he said, ‘It will be dawn soon so I suggest that we all try and get some sleep. You are not to worry about a thing just lay down and rest. Sleep is a great healer; we will talk in the morning.’

She adjusted the pillow and lay down even though the ground was hard and she had never slept in the open before she felt that she just wanted to sleep and sleep and never wake again. Within five minutes she was sound asleep. Helmut walked over and covered her with another blanket which left him without any at all so he got onto the back of the wagon amongst the sacks of grain and motioned to the dogs to join him. It wouldn’t be the first time he had slept out in the open with only the dogs for warmth. He lay there thinking that he would never be able to sleep when the next thing he knew he awoke to the smell of something cooking over the open fire.

He pushed the dogs off and rubbed his eyes and for a few seconds he just lay there. Then he sat bolt upright. Where is she he thought? As if Too Gum could read his thoughts he gestured to him to be quiet and pointed down to the wheel where she was still sleeping. Quietly so as not to awaken her he got down and went to the river for a wash. What on earth was he going to do with her he wondered? In the cold light of dawn he realized he had a problem on his hands. First things first though, he thought I will eat breakfast and then try and work something out but goodness knows what. He sat down to eat and Too Gum handed him a plate with freshly caught trout cooked to perfection with some kind of seasoning that he had never tasted before. Also fresh toast dripping with butter and a mug of hot tea. And to think I didn’t want to bring this Chinaman along. He has not only gone and caught the fish but cleaned it and cooked it before I awoke. I am beginning to think I may have got the best part of this bargain.

All these thoughts were pushed from his mind as the woman awoke. She was stiff and sore with lying on the ground and she desperately needed to go to the toilet.

‘Good morning I hope you slept well. ‘Helmut smiled at her.

‘Yes thank you, very well indeed. Would you happen to know where my bag is? I would like to use my brush and comb I must look a fright.’

‘Your things here lady, I find on the road this morning, you must have dropped it.’ Too Gum placed the bag down beside her. She opened it and took out her toilet things.

‘The river is not too far away if you would like to freshen up before you eat.’ Helmut said aware that she was looking around not sure of what to do. ‘Come with me and I will show you.’

Oh no he is not coming too, she thought. Perceiving her need of privacy he said, ‘Just follow that track and it will lead right to the waters edge.’

Fifteen minutes later she had washed in the ice cold water. Even in the middle of summer the water was still cold. She brushed her long dark almost black hair and tied it back the best that she could without the aid of a mirror. Then she walked back to the camp.

‘Sit down and eat.’ Helmut said.

‘I really think I should try and explain my being here.’

‘Yes we will have to talk but first you must eat.’

There was no way he could tell her that he had felt that there was no flesh on her bones when he had picked her up the night before. That he had wanted to hold and protect her. I am forty-two years old he told himself. Old enough to be her father. What am I doing thinking like this. He felt he had tarnished the memory of Helga. He had never looked at another woman since the day she had died and here he wanted to hold in his arms this girl and yes compared to him she was but a girl.

She ate heartily of the breakfast that Too Gum had prepared and then she took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. ‘Now I think you are owed an explanation. When I first saw you yesterday I intended to take the coach to Dunedin, but I was early and so I decided to go for a walk first. I had a lot of things on my mind and I thought a good walk would help me sort things out. I walked and walked without realizing where I was going and then suddenly becoming aware of the time I realized I had taken the wrong turning and I was lost. I had seen you pass by earlier presumably on your way home and I assumed that there must be something down this road and I carried on. Then it became night and I was desperately afraid to even sit down and rest. Then I saw your camp fire, but that is all I remember.’

‘You saw me yesterday on the road. Why didn’t you stop me then, where was this anyway I never saw you.’

‘I told you I was afraid, I am a woman on my own. I hid in some trees until you had gone past, knowing now that you are a gentleman I wish I had stopped you.’

‘Too Gum did you see this woman on the road yesterday?’

At this point Too Gum had what appeared to be a decided case of deafness and walked off towards the river to wash the dishes.

‘I have to admit to knowing a little about you, my friend James Dooley the Barber said you had come out to this country to get married but that your fianc�e had been killed.’

‘Does everyone talk about me then?’

‘Not at all, I asked him if he knew who you were as I was concerned for you when I saw you earlier in the day on the road.’

‘Why are you being so good to me it’s not that I don’t appreciate it, I really do in fact I don’t know what would have happened to me if you hadn’t come along. But I am sure you must want to get on your way.’

‘The fact is I had a daughter who lived only a matter of hours but had she lived she would have been about your age. I often try to picture her and what she would be like now. When I saw you I thought what if you had been my daughter and someone left you in distress.’

‘Did you have any more children?’

‘No my wife died giving birth to her and I have never remarried.’

‘I am so sorry; it must have been heartbreaking for you. Do you have any other family here? You are German aren’t you?’

‘Yes I am German and, and no, I have no other family here.’

‘What made you come to this part of the world?’

‘My father was a very strict on discipline in the home which is not wrong all children need discipline but there was no love with it in fact he was a very cruel man. One day after I had been thrashed yet again for some minor offense I crept into the library just be by myself. I took down this rather large atlas of the world and I thought I am going to find the most far off place in the world and one day when I grow up I am going there and I will never have to see my father again. It turned out that New Zealand was that place and so I learned all I could about it. I have always been fond of animals so I thought I will come out here and be a sheep farmer. I left school very early much to my father’s disgust. I then, got myself a job worked very hard saved all my money until I had enough to get out here. I met and fell in love with my wife during this time but she was as keen as I was to come here.’

‘What about your mother did you not regret leaving her?’

‘She died when I was very young. Helga and I came out here with such dreams, after some time looking around we decided that this was the place we wanted to spend the rest of our lives. It wasn’t always easy, we had borrowed a lot of money but when you are young it doesn’t seem to matter the same. Then one day Helga told me we were to have a child, we were both overjoyed.’

‘What happened?’

‘Well she was nearly seven months pregnant and we decided she should go into Arrowtown and stay there to be near the cottage hospital. Well I had got her bags and put them at the bottom of the stairs ready to take out the next morning. Helga got up during the night and came downstairs, forgot they were there, and fell over them. She went into labour almost immediately but because we are so far from help there was nothing anyone could do. She died in my arms. I remember the next morning and the sun was shining brightly I was so angry how dare the sun come out and everything look normal didn’t it know that Helga was dead. I felt the whole world should go into mourning. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that life does go on.’ He stopped speaking and thought what am I doing talking like this to this girl who I don’t even know. I have never talked about this to anyone else before. ‘Look I’m sorry, here I am going on about my problems and it is you I should be trying to help, please forgive me.’

‘There is nothing to forgive in fact it has helped me. I thought I must abnormal because when I heard that John had died I felt so angry even at him. I had come so far and now here I was not knowing anybody and alone in a strange land.’

‘Will you go back to England?’

‘No never,’ she said emphatically.

‘Why not? You certainly sound very definite about that.’

‘I remember the morning I left, I was standing on the dock saying good-bye to my family I knew I was nervous but I thought that will pass when we get underway. But when I stood on the deck waving I felt so bad as the wharf started to recede but that was nothing to the absolute terror I felt next morning when I went onto the deck and there was no land to be seen. I had the overwhelming desire to jump into the sea and end this nightmare. Those weeks on the ship were the worst episode of my life and so I will never go back no matter what happens to me here. To this day I have nightmares about this.’

‘That is understandable many people feel like that regarding the sea but what are your plans now?’

‘The doctor and his wife have been so good to me taking me in and letting me share their home. But I felt I had to start taking charge of my life once again. So I thought I would go to one of the bigger towns such as Dunedin where I have heard there a number of large houses. I thought that maybe I would get a position as a Governess there and then I would send for my belongings but I got lost and you know the rest.’

‘Is that what you want to do, be a Governess?’ A plan was beginning to form in Helmut’s mind.

‘Not necessarily, what I would really love is to be a teacher you see that is the only thing I have any training for but there is no vacancy here in Arrowtown at present. The other thing I love doing is to paint pictures. The landscape here is so beautiful.’

The plan was taking a positive direction. ‘Why not come back with me. There are a number of children there who I am sure are growing up without the benefit of an education. We are too far from any schools. The mothers do their best but they have enough to do as it is. There is also a neighbouring property where there must be children too. I know for a certainty the parents would be more than willing to build a classroom. And you can paint to your hearts content.’

‘Where would I live?’

‘With me.’

‘Wouldn’t that cause talk? I know we are miles from civilization but still people would not accept their children’s teacher living in the same house as a single man. After all people do have certain proprieties even in this part of the world.’

Helmut smiled to himself as he thought of certain ladies in the town and what their reaction would be if they could hear this conversation and so he answered.

‘They would if you were my wife.’

‘Your wife?’ She looked at him thinking he must be jesting but one glance told her he was serious.

‘Yes my wife, it need be in name only. I have a large two storied house. You could have the entire top story for yourself choose whichever bedroom you like. You can even set up a studio in one room if you wish. As far as anyone is concerned we would be married.’

‘But why would you want to do this for me, what’s in it for you, as you say it would be in name only.’ She looked questionably at him as if she didn’t quite believe it.

‘You have no need to be concerned on that score I promise you I will not go back on my word. I just feel it would be so nice to have a woman in the house again I miss all the feminine touches. It’s all right during the day there are so many things to occupy me, but the evenings are so terribly lonely. It would be so nice to come home at the end of the day and have someone there to spend the evenings with. Just to talk or sit quietly and read. I didn’t realize until now how much I missed that company, that’s all I ask. The days will be yours to do as you please. You would not have to cook or clean house that is all taken care of.’ Where was Too Gum he wondered, both he and the dogs seem to have disappeared. He looked about him but turned back abruptly at the sound of her laughter.

‘What are you laughing at?’

‘Well here we are we have sat and poured out our souls to each other, you have asked me to marry you and I don’t even know your name.’

He extended his hand in mock solemnity, ‘Helmut Kruger, Miss, pleased to make your acquaintance.’

She looked at this kindly man and wondered can I entrust the rest of my life to him. But what is the alternative, to always live in someone else’s house never my own and be nothing more than a paid employee. Here he is offering me independence and self esteem plus a chance to pursue my interests. But what of love, is that not important. She quickly pushed that thought to the back of her mind she would never feel love for a man again after John.

‘Pleased to make your acquaintance Mr Kruger, I would be honored to accept your offer of ‘marriage’.’

At that instance he wanted to shout and laugh and tell the whole world but no he knew one wrong move now and he would lose her. He could tell she was still a little hesitant and indecisive.

‘May I call you Katherine, or do you prefer Kate or Katie.’

‘I have always been called Katherine.’ Only John had called her his Kate and that was a part of him that she could never share.

‘Well then Katherine we have a bargain and for my part I am delighted. I don’t want to put any pressure on you but I really have to get back to the farm so I suggest that we go back into town now and get married immediately. We can collect your things from the Doctor’s house and take everything back in one trip. Is that all right with you or would you rather stay in town until I return in the spring?’

She briefly hesitated and then said, No I really don’t want to presume on any one any more I would prefer to go back with you now.’

‘Good, then I will apply for a marriage license immediately we get there and while we wait for that we can collect your things and I would suggest you make a list of anything that you think that you will require. It gets very cold in the winter so make sure you have ample warm clothes. I will go to the bank and open an account for you and please feel free to get whatever you need.’

‘Thank you, I do have a little money of my own I am sure it will be enough for my needs.’

‘I will still open an account. If you don’t want to use it at the moment that’s fine by me. Whatever you decide to do with it that is entirely your business. Do you have a great many things to collect by the way?’

She smiled, ‘you may wish you had never asked me to marry you when you see how much there is. There is a large scotch chest, several cases and a piano.’

‘You’re telling me that you play the piano?’

‘I play, but not very well.’

‘I am sure you play beautifully, it will be a pleasure to hear you play in the evenings.’

‘Oh, I nearly forgot, I also have a canary, the doctor’s wife gave him to me she thought he might cheer me up. Would you mind if I brought him too?’

He let out such a roar of laughter that it startled her. ‘I’m sorry, if you rather I leave him behind…’

‘No, no that’s not it. I am just trying to imagine what Jeremiah will say about it.’

‘Jeremiah! I thought you lived alone?’

‘Jeremiah is a ginger tom cat, a very ugly tom cat.’

‘You own a cat called Jeremiah.’

‘No I don’t own him he owns me and lets me share the house with him in return I have to feed him and provide him with a fire in the winter.’

She laughed and felt a little less disquieted about marrying him. She knew from experience that people who treated animals well were usually kind to people as well.

‘Lets get going shall we, Too Gum, Moss, Bing, where have you all got to?’

‘We here, we pack up now?’

‘Yes we will pack up now but we have to return to town.’

Thinking that they were going to return the woman Too Gum set about loading the wagon.

‘We may have to stay a few days; Miss Marchant has agreed to marry me.’

Too Gum stopped what he was doing and stared at the ground. Helmut looked at him, and realized that he was about to cry. ‘What’s the matter?’

‘Me velly pleased that you have such fine lady for wife but you have no need now of cook and housekeeper.’

‘I have already agreed that you should come with me I haven’t changed my mind,’ he turned and winked at Katherine and continued, ‘I’m sure she can’t cook as good as you.’

He was rewarded with a smile from ear to ear. Then in his usual precise methodical way Too Gum set about loading up. They lapsed into silence on the return trip as if each had suddenly became aware of the enormity of what they were about to embark on. Yet it wasn’t a tense silence, just a companionable silence.

It was noon when they arrived. It had been agreed that they would stop by the river and Too Gum would be left in charge of the cart and animals. Meanwhile Helmut and Katherine would walk the last half mile into town. He left Katherine at the general store with strict instructions to get whatever she needed. He then went and arranged for a marriage license after which he made his way to the bank but was stopped by a voice calling him.

‘Helmut, Helmut.’

He turned to see his friend James coming behind him. ‘James I was about to come and see you shortly. I was just on my way to the bank.’

‘I thought you left yesterday.’

‘I did but there have been certain developments and I had to come back.’ He wasn’t sure how to go about telling him he was going to get married in three days time to a woman he had only met last night. ‘Do you think that I could stay with you and Jean for a couple of nights?’ Katherine had already said she would stay at the doctor’s house. She was sure that they wouldn’t mind.

‘Well of course you can, is something wrong?’

‘No nothing is wrong just the opposite actually. But I would like to tell the both of you at the same time, so I will talk to you both this evening.’

‘Can we expect you for a meal? You know Jean; she loves to cook for you. She thinks you don’t feed yourself properly.’

‘Jean wouldn’t be happy until I was the same size as you.’

‘You are right there.’

Being an astute judge of character James knew that his friend was holding something back.

‘If you need help in any way you only have to ask.’

‘There is one thing you could do for me.’

‘As I said anything at all just name it.’

‘Could you make that invitation to tea for two? I would like to bring someone to meet you both.’

James agreed and Helmut left his friend with a puzzled look on his face. As James was to remark to Jean later it was all very mystifying.

Helmut continued on his way to the bank where he arranged for �500 to be put in account for his wife to be. To say that the bank manager was disconcerted would be an understatement but he agreed not to say anything about him getting married to anyone until he had told the Dooley’s. Being so isolated and far from news of any kind he knew that if the town gossips got word of it then it would be around the town in no time. He didn’t want Jean to hear this from anyone but himself, he owed them both that much. He came out of the bank and almost tripped over the same dog he had seen the two boys playing with the day before. He bent down and fondled its ears. ‘You poor thing, does no one own you then.’ He walked back towards the store to join Katherine followed closely by the dog.

Katherine meantime was busy organizing slates and chalk and numerous other articles she thought would be necessary for starting the school. She also chose a stout pair of boots, a heavy woolen black coat and a bright red scarf. Unbeknown to her Helmut had entered the store and was just sitting quietly waiting. He got a pleasing sense of gratification just observing her. After she had purchased everything she felt she would need she made arrangements to collect everything in the next couple of days and turned to leave the shop then she saw Helmut. ‘I think I have everything I need.’

‘Well if you remember anything else we can get it tomorrow. Right now I am taking you back to the doctor’s house where you are going to rest for the remainder of the day. You look tired.’

‘I would like that I am feeling drained.’

They set off to walk to the other end of town on the way he told her about his friendship with the Dooley’s and that he would like them to be the first to know about their marriage. So it was agreed that he would call for her later that day. The doctor’s wife warmly welcomed her back and being a woman who kept her own counsel she asked no questions but left Katherine alone to rest. Katherine was grateful for that. She felt enough had happened so far this day, explanations would come later. She pulled the curtains and lay down on the bed just thankful to be on her own. Her mind was in turmoil as she drifted into a fitful sleep. What have I done, I must be mad, when he returns I am going to tell him I cannot go through with it? At the same time knowing she had no intention of doing any such thing.

Helmut meanwhile walked back down the long drive and onto the street where the stray dog sat waiting and proceeded to follow him.

Jean was almost beside herself with anticipation about what might be the meaning of it all. She kept bombarding James with endless questions about what Helmut had said and what he thought he meant. ‘Didn’t you think to ask if it was a man or a woman that he was bringing?’

‘He just asked if he could bring a friend.’

‘Honestly, men, what hopeless creatures you all are.’

‘That’s why you love me,’ he said as he gave her ample bottom a friendly smack.

‘Get away outside with you man and leave me in peace to get the meal.’

James and Jean were overjoyed with their news and immediately offered the use of their front parlor in which to be married and Jean insisted on making high tea for them after the ceremony. During the next two days Katherine became fond of this chatty homely woman and made her promise to come out to the farm in October weather permitting.

Helmut and Katherine were married on a clear autumn day with James, Jean and the doctor and his wife as witnesses. Katherine carried a bunch of late autumn flowers that Jean had arranged for her. Afterwards they enjoyed a delicious spread of sandwiches, savouries and mouthwatering cakes. All too soon it was time to leave.

They must have made a curious sight driving through town. The cart was loaded with farm supplies, numerous cases and two dogs. Katherine and Helmut riding up front and immediately behind was the piano on top of which sat a small Chinaman. He was holding on for dear life with one hand while with the other he was desperately trying to hold onto a cane cage with a Canary singing its lungs out. Following closely, unobserved by those on the cart was the stray dog.