Hattie Big Sky Read Online Free Page A

Mattie’s tone that I returned the greeting solemnly. “And I am very pleased to meet you, Mulie.”
    â€œHello, Miz Brooks.” Chase stuck out his hand. I shook it.
    â€œI’ve been feeding Violet and Plug for you.” It took me a moment to recall that Violet and Plug were the animal part of my legacy from Uncle Chester.
    â€œWe’ve got them at our place,” explained Perilee. “Chase can bring ’em over soon as you’re settled.”
    At that moment, little Fern began to wail. Karl finished loading my things, and we headed toward the hotel. He let us out in front and rode on to the livery stable. We hurried into the lobby, to get out of the cold.
    â€œErickson’s isn’t fancy,” said Perilee, “but the food’s good. It’s too far to head back tonight. We’ll start out after breakfast.” She managed to unwrap baby Fern from the blankets, help Mattie out of her coat, and scold Chase for peeking in the brass spittoon, all in one breath and motion.
    â€œHow long a ride is it?” My heart squirreled in my chest at the thought of my new home, now within reach.
    â€œOh, we’ll be there by suppertime tomorrow.” Perilee rounded up her wayward chicks. “I’d better take the children upstairs.”
    â€œThat’s fine,” I said. “I have some business in town. I’m to see a Mr. Ebgard.” I relinquished Mr. Whiskers’ case to Chase. “About the claim and such.”
    â€œCan we pet him?” Mattie asked, crouching down to peer into the case.
    â€œWhen I get back,” I said. “He needs to settle in a bit.”
    â€œEbgard’s office is a few doors down thataway.” Perilee pointed. “Why don’t you pop back over to the hotel when you’re done? Then I can help you with your shopping.”
    â€œOh, don’t trouble yourself.” She didn’t need one more chick to watch over. “I can manage.”
    â€œSee you at supper, then.” She herded the children upstairs.
    Mr. Ebgard was assisting someone else when I arrived, so I settled myself on the one spare chair.
    â€œThat looks like everything, Tom,” Mr. Ebgard said to the careworn man across from him. “You got the final filing fee?”
    Tom counted out bills onto the desk. “Highway robbery.” He shook his head. “Thirty-seven dollars and seventy-five cents for paperwork. After I’ve already paid twenty-two dollars to open the claim!”
    â€œI’m not getting rich off you, Tom.” Mr. Ebgard put down his pen. “My commission’s only two dollars.”
    â€œNot saying nothing against you, Ebgard.” Tom laughed and stood up. “But there’s not much free about this free homestead land.”
    Mr. Ebgard shook his hand. “Congratulations, Tom. You are now the proud owner of three hundred twenty Montana acres. Good luck.”
    Tom tipped his hat to me as he passed by. “Morning, ma’am.”
    I nodded back.
    â€œMay I help you?” Mr. Ebgard held out the recently vacated chair.
    â€œI’m Hattie Inez Brooks.” I sat, hoping to appear more mature than I felt. “Niece to Chester Brooks.” I showed him Uncle Chester’s letter.
    â€œMost unusual.” Mr. Ebgard shook his head. “Most unusual.”
    â€œSir?”
    â€œI don’t know…” He tapped the pen against his moustache. “How old are you?”
    â€œS-seventeen.” I squirmed at the fib.
    â€œ
How
old?”
    â€œSixteen.”
    â€œGood heavens!” The pen dropped. “What was Chester thinking?”
    There didn’t seem to be any way for me to answer the question, so I didn’t.
    â€œWhy on earth did your mother let you come?” he demanded.
    â€œShe’s dead, sir.” I touched Mother’s watch, still pinned to my bodice. “My father, too.”
    â€œAll right, then.” Mr. Ebgard