JUNE 22, 1861

As everyone finished the cleaning up from the accident in the schoolyard, Richard managed to get Kathleen's attention for a few minutes. "Kathleen, you going to attend the first service at the new church?"

Keeping her eyes on the children that had come by to help with the clean up, she nodded. "Yes, I was hoping you would join me?"

"I'd love to join you. Everything looks okay here, so I'm going to go speak with Walter at the bank about getting the saloon back open." Kissing her cheek, he left her watching the children.

Kathleen smiled as she watched him ride off towards town.

Upon arriving in town, Richard went straight to the bank. Stopping in front of it and climbing off Rusty, he tied him to the post. He went into the bank.

"Afternoon Ted, Is Walter in?"

Ted looked up. "Hello, Mr. McDonald. Yes he is. He's in his office." He pointed towards the door.

"Thank you." Richard answered as he headed for Walters office.

Walter looked up just as he heard a knock on his door. "Come in." He called out as he finished the paper he was working on.

Richard opened the door. "Hello, Mr. Simmons, I hope I'm not disturbing you?"

"No, not at all Richard. What can I do for you? Please have a seat."

Licking his lips, Richard sat down. "I hope so. I was hoping I could buy the saloon. I hate to see it closed up, and I could use my job back."

Walter thought for a moment. Richard had worked there. He should know how to handle the place.

They went to dickering as to the price of the saloon. Finally, Richard said, "I'm sorry, but I can't come up with that much right now. I was hoping I would have enough to buy it."

"I can't go any lower, Richard. I sure wish I could help you." Walter just couldn't think of any way that he could let Richard have for any less than the last price that he had quoted him.

Ted knocked on the door. The door had been partially opened because Richard hadn't noticed that he hadn't closed it all the way. When Ted saw that Walter was looking at him, he said, "I couldn't help but overhear you two talking. Richard if you would like a silent partner. I think I might know of someone who would go in half with you."

"Really? You do? Who? I wouldn't mind having a partner." Richard turned around in his seat and looked at Ted.

"I was thinking of me." Ted replied.

"You?" Richard was surprised.

"I could be your silent partner. I don't want to run the place, and I want to keep my job here, but I could take care of the books for you. I'm really good with numbers."

"I can vouch for that." Walter stated.

Richard thought for a minute and then nodded his head. He really wanted the saloon, even if it meant having a partner. The three men worked out the particulars for closing the deal.

Walter walked Richard and Ted to the door. "I'm sure you two will make great partners. The saloon is in good hands."

"Richard when I get off work, I'll come over to our saloon." Ted liked saying 'our saloon'. Holding up the saloon account book that Walter had given him, he continued, "I'll look over this, and then we can discuss things later."

Richard nodded and left. He walked his horse over to the boarding house looking for Desiree. After finding her, he told her the good news. That the saloon would reopen tonight.

"I'll go see if Marta and Ted can handle the restaurant tonight. I should be able to be there." Desiree happily said.

"Well, Ted is half owner of the saloon." Richard announced.

"He is?" She watched as Richard nodded his head. "He is. Who's the other owner?"

"I am." Richard smiled. "I'm sure Ted will work at the restaurant if you tell him that you will draw customers into the saloon with your singing."

Desiree nodded. "I'll go check with Marta and Ted. I can't believe you're the new owner." But she said it in a cheerful way. She was delighted that she would be able to sing again.