From Chapter One - Threats in the Night
Along whistle sounded in the night. Startled, Katherine O'Connell jerked awake. Her eyes flew open as she wondered,
Where am I?
A dim light pierced the darkness. Beneath Kate, even the floor rumbled.
Again the whistle sounded. Its mournful call helped Kate remember. She was on a train traveling to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Soon I'll be in Copper Country! I'll meet my Irish cousin, Megan! Even the thought brought Kate more fully awake. In the seat facing hers, Kate's stepbrother Anders was still sleeping. So was their friend Erik Lundgren.
Slowly Kate stood up and stepped around her brother's big feet to reach the aisle. As Kate started through the railroad car, a man glanced up, staring at her with resentful eyes.
Kate shivered and looked away. Just as quickly she glanced back. She had never seen the man before. Why should he act as if he disliked her? Whoever the man was, he had already pulled a hat down over his face.
When Kate reached the rear of the car, she took a long drink at the water cooler. During the night, the gas lights had been turned down, leaving long shadows.
I'll wash up now, Kate thought. In that third week of July 1907, black clouds of smoke often blew in through the open windows. All through the long, hot trip from northwest Wisconsin, soot and cinders had found their way onto Kate's clothing.
The water felt good against her face. When she came out of the washroom, she took another drink. From somewhere she heard voices.
Curious as always, Kate followed the dimly lighted hallway outside the washroom. Beyond a partly open door, two people stood on the platform at the end of the car.
"I tell you, they'll cause trouble," a man said.
"A bunch of brats?" The second voice was low, yet scornful. With the rumble of the train, Kate could barely hear. "How can they upset our plans?"
"I saw them, and they're not stupid. The boys are over six feet tall."
Six feet tall? Kate thought. Whoever the person was, he had to be talking about Anders and Erik. In the land of Swedish-Americans where they lived, that height wasn't unusual for thirteen-year-olds. But now someone had noticed it.
Kate edged forward, as close to the door as she dared. Both people wore men's business suits and hats. With their backs toward Kate, they stood next to the railing that surrounded the platform.
"I heard them talking," the man went on. "The boys look strong. Good muscles in their shoulders. They're used to working."
The other person laughed. "Not like you, huh? What are you, Curly-a coward?"
Again Kate crept forward. Above the clickety-clack of the wheels, she could barely hear the second voice.
"You said it was a quick find, an easy steal," answered the man named Curly. "Already you've been there six months. When are you going to find something?"
"It takes time." The other voice was still muffled by the sounds of the train. "I'll find that map yet."
"I'm tired of working for peanuts!" Curly's voice rose in anger. "Let's get out while we still can."
"No!" The word was sharp and angry.
Kate jumped back. Just in time she remembered the dim light behind her. If the men turned around, they would see her.
"I'm not giving up now," the second voice went on. "Just do what I tell you!"
Curly's hoarse laugh cut off the rest of the words. "You're not my boss!"
The other voice broke in again. "It all fits-the O'Connells and the Mitchells together."
Kate's stomach tightened. Her cousin Megan's father worked for a man named James Mitchell.
"It's too dangerous," Curly warned.
"Hush, you fool!"
"Don't call
me a fool!" Curly exclaimed.
"We're wasting time when we need to plan," the other voice answered. "Once we get there, we can't be seen together."
"Well, do you have any more ideas?" Curly asked. "Good ones, I mean."
"Let's use the brats you're so afraid of."
A band of fear tightened around Kate's heart. The person had to mean Anders and Erik and probably her.
"Maybe they'll find something we haven't. Let
them solve the mystery. Let them lead us to the treasure!"
The treasure? Without thought of her own danger, Kate crept forward again, straining to hear.
"They probably don't even know about it," Curly answered.
"They will," the second voice said. "Everyone coming into the area hears the story, just like we did."
"All right!" Curly sounded resentful. "One more try. But this time I'll make sure we succeed!"
"Don't come see me unless it's late at night," the other voice said. "If you leave a message, make sure it's in our secret code."
"Sure, sure." It was plain Curly didn't like the orders. His face still turned toward the end of the train, he stepped away from the railing, moving closer to Kate.
Filled with panic, she scrambled into the hallway. When she reached the water cooler, she stopped as though planning to take a drink.
As she carefully looked back, a man's hand reached out, pushing the door to the platform farther open. Turning, Kate hurried up the aisle past the seats filled with sleeping people.
Halfway through the car, Kate glanced around. No one seemed to be following her. Just the same, she felt relieved when she reached Anders and Erik again. Dropping into her seat, she reached forward and tugged her brother's arm. "Anders! Wake up!"
Her brother groaned.
"Anders!" Kate's whisper sounded hoarse.
As though brushing off a pesky fly, Anders swung his arm, almost hitting Kate's face.
"Anders!" Kate was angry now. "It's important!"
"Shhh!" someone hissed from across the aisle. "We're trying to sleep!"
Desperately, Kate kicked her brother's foot. When Anders still didn't waken, she shook Erik's shoulder. "I need help!" she whispered.
