Song for Silas, A (2 page)

Chicago, Illinois

Silas Cameron stared in stunned silence at the man across from him. The beautiful book-lined study with its elegant chairs and tables faded from view. He couldn’t believe Frank Chambers had just asked him to come and work for him.

“I can see you’re surprised, Silas, but I can assure you the offer is genuine.” The older man’s voice was slightly amused.

“Surprised is putting it mildly, Frank, and I’m very flattered but…”

“No, no, Silas. I don’t want an answer right now,” Frank cut him off. “You owe it to Luke as your partner, as well as your brother, to discuss it with him. I also realize the thought of leaving Baxter has probably never occurred to you, so I want you to give it some time. Think on it. I’ll tell you exactly what I have in mind, and after you go home, I’ll wait a few weeks to deliver your horses. I’ll get your answer after I get to Baxter.”

Frank then went on to explain the position in detail. Captivated, Silas listened closely.

“I delivered your horses last year because I liked Luke immediately upon meeting him, as well as all he had to say about his home. But, it is not normally my job. You can understand our operation here is too big for me to handle all the traveling.”

“You deliver all the horses you sell?”

“Yes, we do. It has always been our policy. There have been a few times over the years when I have returned with the horses. No amount of money will make me leave my animals in a place where I feel they will be mistreated. I realize this is an unusual concept, but I’ve never been sorry and my reputation has been all the healthier for it.” There was no boasting in his tone as he stated these facts, just a certainty he was doing the right thing. Considering the success of the Chambers’ stables, Silas couldn’t help but agree.

“What I have in mind for you is to deliver to our special customers. You have a calm way about you and can deliver our most valuable animals with the utmost care. Of this I’m sure. You would be traveling all over the United States and abroad probably at least once a year.”

“Abroad? As in Europe?”

“Right! As I say, it’s not very often, about once a year, but the job needs someone with your skill.”

Frank talked on as Silas listened. He explained the other duties he had in mind and, when he named a salary, Silas had to work at keeping his mouth closed.

Silas went to bed with visions of travel and money floating through his head. He did not sleep well.

As Silas expected, Frank brought the matter up again on the way to the train station the following morning.

“There is one more thing I want you to understand, Silas. The salary I named is completely above and beyond any travel expenses you may have. We, of course, pay train fares for both you and the horses, and any time you must stay the night we’ll cover that bill.

“Also, Silas, I am not insensitive to the close bond in your family. Anytime you are in the Baxter area with nothing urgent pressing here, you are more than welcome to stop and see them for a few days.”

Silas was aware that Frank was talking as if he’d already accepted the job. It made him uncomfortable, and he was glad when the train station came into sight.

Frank’s parting words as Silas stepped on the train were, “Think on it, Silas. I’ll be up in a few weeks.” Again, Silas had the impression Frank was already sure of the answer.

As the train moved along at a steady pace, the restless night began to catch up to Silas. He settled in and was nearly asleep when a child’s crying woke him.

Across the aisle sat a woman with an infant and a toddler. The woman and the baby in her arms were fast asleep. The woman appeared to be literally limp with exhaustion. On the seat beside her was a little girl in a panic because she couldn’t rouse her mother or fit into her already-full lap. Silas moved to the edge of his seat and held out his arms. There was a moment’s hesitation, and then the little girl was in his arms.

With some coaxing, he discovered her name was Laura and that she was thirsty. When the tears were all dried and the thirst was quenched, Silas found her mother still sleeping, so he settled Laura in his lap.

Playing first with his tie and then his beard, Laura entertained him for the next hour, all the time talking to him in not-quite-recognizable English. When he asked her age, three little fingers went proudly into the air. Laura’s head had just dropped onto Silas’ chest when her mother awoke. Silas would have liked to prevent the frantic look he saw in her eyes before spotting her daughter, but he didn’t want to move and wake Laura. He assured her in a quiet voice that Laura was fine where she was and, after giving Silas a grateful smile, the young mother settled back in her seat to feed the baby.

With all of the thoughts Frank Chambers had put into his head, Silas, strangely enough, found his thoughts turning to the child in his lap—not specifically Laura, but children in
general. Silas had two nieces and three nephews whom he adored. But lately it was not enough. He had begun to ache for a home of his own, with a wife and children to fill his heart and life.

He even knew the exact place he would build his house. It was not far from Luke and Christine’s, and the group of big oaks that stood on that spot would give a feeling of privacy to both homes. He and Luke had talked about it just last month. Luke had been all for it as long as Silas didn’t feel as though he and Christine no longer wanted him with them. Silas had assured him this was not the case.

Now Silas’ thoughts turned to Chicago and the job with Frank Chambers. It would save him the cost of building a home. Frank had a two-bedroom cottage not far from the main house and had said the rent would be a part of Silas’ salary.

Silas shook his head as though trying to clear it, and Laura stirred. She sat up and spoke a few words to him before noticing her mother was awake. Silas’ lap was deserted quickly and he once again settled in for a nap.

The remainder of the trip was uneventful, and Silas was relieved to step onto the platform at Baxter. Greetings from townsfolk enveloped him as he made his way to the livery. As planned, Luke had left a horse for him. Within a half hour of leaving the train station, Silas was headed to the ranch.

As he rode through the familiar surroundings, Silas couldn’t help asking himself, “Could I actually leave all this?” Baxter was the only home Silas had ever known.

The ranch hadn’t changed in two weeks, although Silas halfway expected it would because it seemed to him he’d been gone forever.

No one came out as he rode up, and it was so quiet he wondered if anyone was home. He wished for an instant that he’d stopped at Grandma Em’s. Maybe everyone was there.

The smells were familiar as he stepped into the front room. He smiled. The aroma of whatever pie Christine had served for lunch still lingered in the air. Home. Silas couldn’t believe it felt so good. As he quietly closed the door behind him, he called out, “Anybody home?”

Barely finishing a piece of pie and cup of coffee, Silas began answering questions. Luke and Christine wanted to know everything. Their first questions were about Paul, the youngest brother in the Cameron family, who was at seminary in Chicago.

Silas, understanding their concern for the brother they missed so much and saw so little of, started right in.

“Paul is great. He misses everyone but loves school. He fills a different pulpit in the area nearly every week. He also told me that as much as he loves his studies, there is no feeling in the world like that of preaching a sermon. I couldn’t believe how excited he was.”

“Do you think he’ll take a church in the Chicago area when he graduates?” Christine wanted to know.

“Somehow I don’t think he will. He’s still too much in love with small-town life. But then again, he said this weekend that God has been teaching him a lot about surrendering his will to God’s. His most fervent prayer is that he, Paul Cameron, will be God’s man for the job.”

“When does he think he’ll be home again?” Luke couldn’t keep the wistfulness out of his voice. It seemed like forever since he had sat down and talked with his youngest brother.

Silas looked apologetic as he answered. “I wouldn’t watch for him until sometime this summer.”

Further conversation was interrupted by a small cry from the direction of the bedroom. When Christine rose, Silas stopped her. “Sit down, Christine. I’ve been waiting patiently for that sound since I walked in the door. I need to see my little Josh.” Silas threw a beaming smile at Luke and Christine before moving to get his nephew.

Joshua Cameron always had a smile for his Uncle Silas. Always, that is, except for today. Silas scooped him off his parents’ bed to hug and kiss him hello, but Joshua just stared at the bearded face above him. Silas was not too surprised when Joshua’s little arms reached for Christine as soon as he saw her.

Completely unoffended, Silas headed for the piano. He played a few quick notes and then held his arms out to his nephew. Joshua’s smile was his reward and soon both were seated in their usual positions on the piano bench.

Completely hemmed in, Joshua was snuggled onto the piano bench with Silas’ stomach at his back, the keyboard at his front, and Silas’ arms stretched out on either side to reach the keys.

Silas never played from sheet music while Joshua was in his lap. He watched the little hands pound the keys in front of him or reach to the hands so much bigger than his own as they moved over the keys. If Joshua was especially tired, he would simply lay back against Silas and listen. Not so today. Fully revived from his nap, Joshua was ready to go.

The remainder of the afternoon flew by as Silas settled back into his home. When Joshua had been put to bed, Silas brought up to Luke and Christine the offer from Frank Chambers. They were as stunned as he had been. Christine had to bite her tongue to keep from coming right out and telling Silas he simply couldn’t go. They talked for some time and Silas told them honestly he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do.

Knowing it would be best to sleep on it and do some more thinking and praying, Silas retired early. As he lay waiting for
sleep to come, he knew he wanted God’s will. But if he were completely honest, he also knew he hated to leave home, even for a short time. Coming home just felt so right. He asked God before he slept, if submitting to His will meant changing homes, would it ever feel as right as this one did?

The next day was Sunday and Silas awoke looking forward to church and then lunch with the family. He wanted very much to share the news of the job offer with the rest of the family and to ask for their advice and prayers. But as it was, the subject never came up.

Pastor Nolan had finished the closing prayer, but before dismissing the congregation, he spoke again. “Before I dismiss you this morning I would ask a few minutes of your time. Our niece Amy has written us to say that my brother has broken his leg.” He paused as a ripple of murmurs moved across the room. “As most of you know, my brother has a farm in Neillsville where I grew up. I would ask for your prayers for Grant and Amy. A farmer’s schedule does not allow for being laid up like this. I’m writing them tomorrow, and I’d like to tell them you are praying.”

When the service was dismissed, Silas had to wait his turn to talk with the pastor. The men shook hands for a long moment before speaking, giving Silas time to see the lines of strain around the older man’s eyes and mouth.

“I’m sure you know why I stayed to talk with you. Would I be out of line to ask if you can share more with me than you did from the pulpit?”

“It would be a relief to talk with you, Silas. Just let me see the rest of these folks out and I’ll be right with you.”

Silas was seated back in a pew but a few minutes when Mrs. Nolan joined him. “Thank you for staying, Silas.”

“You know I’ll do all I can.” She met his assurance with a nod and they waited for the pastor in silence. When Pastor
Nolan was finally seated, a conversation seasoned with the warmth of time began.

“The letter from Amy came yesterday. She wrote that Grant fell from a ladder and broke his leg. She also writes that the doctor has given him medicine for the pain and that he is completely bedridden. They haven’t even started the planting. The letter went on to say that Amy is doing all the milking and she will be pulling money from their savings to pay for some help with the fields.” Silas could hear the worry in Pastor Nolan’s voice.

“Where is Evan?” Silas’ voice was a bit angered.

“Nothing has changed with Evan. He never goes to the farm or anywhere near Grant. It’s been four years. I have my doubts as to whether he’ll ever get over Maureen’s death. He’s never said, but it’s obvious he blames my brother for his sister’s death.”

They sat in silence for some minutes before Silas spoke. “When you write, tell them I’m coming.”

“Are you sure, Silas? You’ve only just returned.” The pastor’s voice held genuine concern, but his eyes were hopeful.

“I’m sure.” Silas spoke in a firm voice and in short order explained his plans and was on his way to see his family for the first time in two weeks, his heart a bit heavy at having to tell them he was leaving again.