The Fur Trader Read Online Free Page B

I thought I might be able to procure services from you.” William closed the distance between them and stuck out his hand. “The name is William Stenton.”
    At that, the mill owner’s hard expression melted into a smile and his eyes twinkled warmly.
    “Ah, well any man named William can’t be all bad,” he said as he took the proffered hand and shook it heartily. “Though, I am a bit biased myself, seeing as I am also named William.”
    “Our mothers had good taste in names,” William Stenton replied.
    Mr. Figg nodded. “What kind of services do you need? We can clear land if that’s what you desire.”
    William Stenton shook his head. “I was hoping to rent a barge from you.”
    Mr. Figg’s smile stretched downward into a frown and he shook his head. “I am filling the last order for lumber for this season. I’m loading the last two barges today and sending them down river. I won’t be able to transport anything else until the spring.”
    William Stenton nodded. “What price would make it worth your while? I’m not transporting goods, just myself and my nephew. We’re headed up river, so we could send the barges back in a couple of days.”
    “Up river?” Mr. Figg echoed. His head shook vigorously and he waved a meaty hand at the notion. “Can’t do that for any price. It’s too late in the season. The ice flows have already started further up river. The barges will never make it. As it is, I have to hurry and send out the loads today to avoid having my barges frozen in before they hit the main waterway that heads south. Sorry, friend, but I don’t think I can help you.”
    “Do you have a canoe then?” William asked.
    Mr. Figg shook his head. “If you want a canoe, you can try the general store. Jacop runs a fine shop there, but he’ll tell you the same thing. The rivers further north are freezing up. You won’t make it up river. Not sure why you want to go that way anyhow, there isn’t anything up there but forest and snow.”
    William smiled sheepishly. “Just an adventure for my nephew and myself,” William replied.
    Mr. Figg shrugged and turned back toward the cogs and gears.
    “A few city folk come looking for adventure, though most come in the summer time. You should know, though, the Dryden Range isn’t for fancy folk. You can forget all your rules and laws and civility out here. The mountains will chew you up and spit you out, especially in winter.”
    “Thanks,” William offered as he turned around. It was obvious that Mr. Figg was of no use, so there was no point listening to the man’s lecture about the dangers of Dryden Range.
    When he got back to his horse, Richard was waiting patiently, though with a pained expression on his face and a hand rubbing his stomach.
    “You ate last night,” William groused as he mounted his horse. “You can go a little longer.”
    “Two biscuits does not make a dinner,” Richard replied.
    “Shut it,” William said harshly. He knew Richard was right, though. They would need food soon. He led them back into two and followed the streets until they came to a large, log building with a sign that read, “Sockeye Tavern,” and hitched the horses to a post outside.
    “Keep your head down and your mouth shut,” William said.
    Richard nodded.
    The two of them pushed in through the main door and William pointed to an out of the way table off in a corner close to the bar. They removed their outer cloaks and set them down over the backs of their chairs and sat down. A couple moments later, a stout woman with long, golden hair approached and set a pair of empty mugs on the table.
    “Cider for the boy?” she asked.
    William nodded as he looked up to the woman. “And coffee for me if you have it.”
    The woman nodded. “We also have breakfast if you’re hungry.”
    Richard kept his mouth closed, but his eyes lit up so that it would have been impossible not to notice how excited he was at the mention of food. William nodded his assent and the