Your Smile Is Infectious
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“You’re not going to believe this,” said the woman. “I’m a detective.” The two men looked at her with interest. She was short and round but had an attractive face and a friendly smile that made them feel comfortable enough to talk to her about their troubles.
She listened attentively as they told her how they’d been robbed by three masked bandits on the road to town. They were traveling from New York state in hopes of finding work in Chicago. Their story was plausible, so she took down all their details before telling them it would be best if they stayed out of sight until the sheriff arrived.
The next morning, she went back to the same spot where she’d found the men last night. A few more people had gathered around since yesterday, and there was now a small crowd watching her. As soon as she spotted the man who’d stolen the watch, she pointed him out. He turned and saw her pointing at him. Then he began to run away.
A couple of men chased after him while another one tried to stop his horse. The thief reached the edge of town and disappeared into the woods. One of the pursuers yelled for help, and several other men came running over to join the chase. In less than five minutes, the thief’s trail vanished among the trees.
When she returned to the ranch house, she found the sheriff waiting for her. “Did you find him?” asked Tom.
“No, but I got some good information,” replied Penny. “There are four more men who’ve done business with the robber. Three of them live here in town. Two others have moved farther west.”
Tom nodded. “That makes sense. We’ll pay them a visit later today and see what we can learn.”
Penny left the sheriff and went inside the ranch house. When she walked through the front door, she saw Tom sitting at the kitchen table talking to his wife. Mary stood beside him, holding a baby boy wrapped in a blanket. Penny smiled when she noticed the child’s resemblance to Tom. It was obvious that the infant resembled both parents.
Mary glanced up at Penny. “Good morning, Mrs. Harper. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, thank you. How is your son?”
“He’s fine. And this little fellow looks like his daddy.” She kissed the top of her son’s head.
Penny went into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Tom looked up at her and then started to laugh. “What’s funny?”
“Well, I guess you could say I slept very well—with someone else.” He grinned. “But don’t worry. You won’t catch me doing anything untoward with any married women.”
Penny laughed. “Don’t be silly. I know you wouldn’t do something like that.”
“Oh, really? Well, I hope you’re right.” He winked at her. “Now tell me about these men. What did you learn?”
“It wasn’t easy. There aren’t many saloons or gambling halls in this part of the country. But I managed to get the names of three men who frequent one of the local taverns.”
“How did you manage that?” asked Tom. “If they knew you were a detective, they might have kept their mouths shut.”
“They didn’t know that. They just thought I was a friend of the sheriff’s and wanted to help him out.”
“And how did you convince them to cooperate?” asked Mary.
“I told them that if they helped us identify the robber, the sheriff would reward each of them with ten dollars.”
“Ten dollars!” exclaimed Tom. “That’s quite generous of you, Mrs. Harper. Why not give them twenty?”
“Because the sheriff only gave me ten for my services. So I figured the men should receive the same amount.”
“Smart thinking,” said Tom. “Let’s go meet our new friends.”
Penny followed the men to the tavern and introduced herself. “My name is Penny Harper. I’m a private detective.”
One of the men looked at her curiously. “Why are you asking about the robber?”
“We’re trying to locate him.”
“Who hired you?”
“Nobody,” replied Penny. “This is strictly voluntary. If anyone asks, you can tell him that you helped us because you felt sorry for us.”
The man nodded. “All right. We’ll help you out.”
Penny thanked them and went home to write up her report. After she finished, she took the paper to the sheriff’s office and handed it over to him.
“Thanks for your help, Mrs. Harper.”
“You’re welcome, Sheriff.”
After Penny left the sheriff’s office, she stopped by the bank and withdrew the money from her account. Then she headed for the train station.
She boarded the first train heading east and rode all day until she reached Denver. At the train depot, she bought a ticket to Cheyenne. From there, she planned to ride west and look for the robber’s trail.
***
Cheyenne
Penny spent the next two days riding west. She stayed away from towns as much as possible. Instead, she traveled along the railroad tracks. The train stations weren’t far apart, so she could always board another one when she needed to.
On the third day, Penny decided to take a break and eat lunch in a small town. As she ate, she watched people walk past the restaurant. Most of the passersby were ranchers, cowboys and farmers. A few of the men wore hats and carried guns. Others had rifles strapped across their backs. All of them looked like they were ready to defend themselves against Indians or bandits.
When Penny finished eating, she stepped outside and saw a group of young boys playing marbles in the street. One of the children threw the marble and hit Penny on the shoulder.
“Sorry,” he said. “Didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Penny smiled. “No harm done.” She turned toward the sheriff’s office and noticed a man standing in front of the building. He was wearing a gun belt and carrying a rifle. His face was hidden behind a wide-brimmed hat.
Penny walked up to him. “Excuse me, sir. Are you the sheriff?”
“Yes, ma’am. Who are you?”
“Mrs. Harper.”
“I see. Well, why don’t you come inside and we can talk.”
“Thank you.” Penny followed the man back to his office.
Sheriff Withers offered Penny some water. “Please, sit down.”
“Thank you.” Penny sat in one of the chairs.
“So what brings you to Cheyenne?”
“I’m looking for someone. I need your help.”
“What kind of person are you looking for?”
“A robber.”
“Really? How did you happen to hear about the robber?”
“I read an article in a newspaper.”
“An article?”
“Yes. It mentioned a robbery at a ranch near here.”
Withers frowned. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“Well, the story ran in the Denver Post. And I got curious enough to do some research.”
“Research?”
“Yes. I found out that a woman named Missie Harper was robbed at knifepoint while she was visiting her sister.”
“Missie Harper?”
“That’s right.”
“Then I guess you’re talking about me.”
Penny nodded. “Do you remember anything else about the robbery?”
“Nothing. Not even the date.”
“But you know the location where it happened.”
“Yes, but that doesn’t narrow things down very much.”
“How many ranches are there around here?”
“Hundreds.”
“Okay, let me think.” Penny closed her eyes and tried to recall everything she knew about the robbery. “There were three robbers. Two of them were armed with knives. The other one carried a gun.”
“And how did the robbers get away?”
“They fled into the woods.”
“Were any of the victims injured?”
“Just a little bit.”
“Where were you when this occurred?”
“At my sister’s house. She lives just south of here.”
“Could you describe the robbers?”
“Not really. They were dressed in black.”
“Black?”
“Yes. That’s all I know.”
“Are you sure they weren’t wearing white?”
“Maybe. I wasn’t paying attention.”
“I see. Thank you, Mrs. Harper. You can leave now.”
“Goodbye, Sheriff.” Penny rose from the chair.
“Wait. Did you say you were robbed at your sister’s place?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Why didn’t you tell me before?”
“Because I thought you already knew.”
The sheriff sighed. “I suppose I should have asked sooner.”
“It’s okay, Sheriff. But I still want to find the robber and bring him to justice.”
“We’ll see if we can locate the robber for you.”
“Thank you, sir.” Penny left the office.
As soon as Penny returned home, she told Mary about the sheriff’s visit.
Mary laughed. “You’re kidding me.”
“No, I’m not. Why would I lie to you?”
“Oh, Penny. This is too good to be true.”
“Don’t laugh, Mary. I know I look like a man, but I’m a woman.”
“Now, Penny. Don’t get upset.”
“I’m not laughing. Just trying to lighten the mood.”
“All right, then. Let’s go over the facts again. We both know that I’m a man.”
“Yes, but—”
“Let me finish. I’m also a detective.”
“A detective?”
“Yes. I work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency in Chicago. My name is Penny Harper.”
“Wow! What a coincidence. I’m a private investigator.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Have you ever been to Denver?”
“Once or twice.”
“When was the last time?”
“Last year.”
“Did you notice anyone unusual?”
“Like what?”
“Anything at all. Anything that seemed strange.”
“Well…no. Nothing.”
“Okay, then. If you don’t remember anything, then it must not have been important.”
“Of course, I remember something. Something that might help us solve the case.”
“What could it be?”
“I saw a young boy watching me when I was leaving the sheriff’s office.”
“Boy?”
“Yes.”
“What color was he?”
“He wore a blue shirt and brown pants.”
“Brown pants?”
“Yes. He had on a pair of brown boots.”
“Was his hair long?”
“I couldn’t tell because he was so far away.”
“But you think it was a boy?”
“Yes.”
“And you think he was watching you?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Maybe to make sure I got out safely.”
“Or maybe to follow you.”
“Either way, I’d rather he didn’t. It makes me nervous.”
“Me too. But why would a child be following you? Couldn’t he have been waiting for someone?”
“Probably.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know.”
“Maybe we should ask the sheriff about him.”
“That’s a good idea.”
***
After breakfast, Penny and Mary drove to the sheriff’s office. When they arrived, Penny noticed two men standing outside. One was tall with dark hair, while the other was shorter, balding, and had a mustache. Both of them looked like cowboys.
“Hello,” Penny said. “I’m Penny Harper.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Harper. I’m Sam McBride. And this is my partner, Joe Rafferty.”
“Nice to meet you.” Penny shook hands with each of them.
“Sheriff?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I was wondering if you could tell me if there are any children living around here who might fit the description I gave you yesterday.”
“There is one boy. His name is Johnny.”
“Johnny?” Penny repeated. “How old does he look?”
“About ten years old.”
“Do you know where he lives?”
“No, ma’am. He doesn’t live anywhere near here.”
“Then how do you know he’s not the robber?”
“His mother works in town.”
“Is she a schoolteacher?”
“She teaches the girls at the orphanage.”
“So you don’t know if he has a brother?”
“No, ma’am. Not that I know of.”
“If we catch the robber, will you arrest him?”
“Depends on the circumstances.”
“Can you tell me more about the robbery?”
“It happened early Sunday morning. The robbers tied up the owner of the saloon and took off with the money.”
“The same night I saw the boy?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Could he have been involved?”
“I doubt it. There were three masked men. Only one was small enough to be a boy.”
“Thank you. That helps a lot.”
“Are you going to stay awhile?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“We’ll be happy to show you around.”
“Thanks, but I already know most of Denver.”
“You’re welcome back anytime.”
“I may take you up on that offer.”
“Good. Well, let’s get started.”
They drove through the streets of Denver until they reached the center of town. Penny stopped the car beside a large building that looked like a church.
“This is the First Baptist Church,” Sheriff Johnson said as they stepped inside. “In fact, it’s the oldest church in Denver.”
“Did you attend services here?”
“As a boy, yes. My father used to bring me here every week.”
“Your parents were married here?”
“Yes.”
“Were your parents still together when they died?”
“Yes.”
“Where did they die?”
“My father died first. Then my mother.”
“How did they die?”
“He was killed by Indians. She drowned.”
“What?” Penny gasped. “Drowned?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Why would anyone drown?”
“I don’t know. It’s a terrible thing to happen.”
“I can imagine. How sad.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s over now.”
“I hope so.”
“Would you like to see the sanctuary?”
“Please.”
When they entered the church, Penny felt the warmth of the sun streaming down from the stained-glass windows. They walked past rows of pews toward the altar.
“Here we are,” Sheriff Johnson said. “But before we go further, I’d like to introduce you to Reverend Tilden.”
A thin man with gray hair, dressed in black, stood behind the pulpit. He nodded politely.
“Reverend Tilden, this is Miss Harper.”
“Miss Harper, please come forward.”
Penny walked up to the front of the church. “How are you today?”
“Fine, thank you.”
“May I sit next to you?”
“Of course.”
Penny sat down. “How long have you been ministering here?”
“For twenty-five years. In fact, I’ve only missed two Sundays since then.”
“That’s wonderful. You must love God very much.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I think I understand why you’re called ‘the smiling preacher.'”
“I try to spread happiness wherever I am.”
“And what brought you here?”
“God sent me here.”
“Doesn’t everyone feel that way?”
“Not always, ma’am. Sometimes people need to hear the truth.”
“I agree.”
“I believe that the Lord led us all to this place for a reason.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
“Let me ask you something, Miss Harper. What made you decide to become a detective?”
“Someone tried to kill me.”
“Was it an accident or murder?”
“Murder.”
“Do you mind if I pray with you? Pray for guidance?”
“By all means.”
“Lord, we thank you for bringing Miss Harper into our lives. We ask that you guide her in the right direction.”
“Thank you, Reverend.”
“Now, let’s talk about the boy who robbed the saloon.”
“I didn’t want to tell you earlier because I knew you had other things to worry about.”
“I appreciate that. Now, tell me everything.”
“The boy was wearing a mask and a dark coat. The bartender recognized him from his description.”
“Is he still in Denver?”
“No, he left after the robbery.”
“Did the boy say anything?”
“Only one word: money.”
“What else did he say?”
“Nothing. But he seemed nervous. He kept looking around.”
“Did he speak any English?”
“Yes, ma’am. He spoke it well.”
“Could you understand him?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“How old do you think the boy is?”
“Ten to twelve.”
“You could be correct. That’s exactly how young he looks.”
“I told you there was nothing to worry about.”
“I know. I just wanted to make sure.”
“Well, I’ll keep an eye on the boy.”
“Good.”
“Miss Harper, I’m going to leave you alone with Reverend Tilden. If you need anything, call me at once.”
“Thank you, Sheriff.”
Johnson left the church.
“Miss Harper, would you like some lemonade?”
“Please.”
“It’s good for your complexion.”
“I’m not sure I should drink it. I might get thirsty later.”
“Just take small sips.”
They drank their tea in silence. Penny looked out the window at the green grass. It was a beautiful day.
“Have you ever considered becoming a missionary?”
“To where?”
“Anywhere. Africa, India, China, Australia—anywhere.”
“I don’t think so. I’m happy being here.”
“If you were free to choose, where would you go?”
“I can’t answer that question.”
“Why not?”
“Because I haven’t traveled enough.”
“I thought you already visited Europe.”
“I did but I never got to visit England. Maybe someday I will.”
“I hope so.”
“So do I, Reverend.”
“I think the Lord has a special plan for you.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
“I hope so.”
“He does. Don’t doubt it.”
“I won’t.”
“Are you ready to see the rest of the church now?”
“Yes, I’d like that.”
“Follow me.”
They walked through the doors into the back of the church. “This is my office.”
“Your office?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I thought you were a minister.”
“I am. I also have an associate pastor.”
“Oh, really? Who is he?”
“His name is Rev. James Johnson.”
“Rev. Jim?”
“Yes, ma’am. His wife is named Mary.”
“That’s nice. Do they live here?”
“Yes, ma’am. They’ve been married for almost twenty years.”
“Twenty years! How wonderful!”
“Yes, it is. Would you like to meet them?”
“Would you mind?”
“Not at all.”
We went down the hall to the rear of the building.
“Hello, Miss Harper,” said Rev. Johnson. “Come in, come in.”
Mary greeted Penny with a smile.
“Reverend, this is Miss Harper.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Harper.”
“Likewise.”
“I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying yourself.”
“I am, Reverend.”
“And I’m pleased to learn that you are taking good care of my daughter.”
“Of course, Reverend. She’s very important to me.”
“I know she is. And if you need anything—”
“I’ll ask Reverend Tilden.”
“Very good. Thank you, Reverend.”
“Don’t mention it, Miss Harper.”
“Thank you, Reverend.”
“Let me show you the library.”
“The library?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“All right.”
“Miss Harper, I want you to feel welcome here. You’re part of our family now.”
“Thank you, Reverend.”
“Now let me show you what we have.”
“Okay.”
“First, I want you to look at these books.”
“These are your personal collection?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Wow. This must be quite a collection.”
“Yes, it is.”
“What kind of books do you read?”
“Anything from romance novels to science fiction.”
“Science fiction? That sounds interesting. What else do you enjoy reading?”
“History and biographies.”
“I love history too.”
“Do you collect any particular type of book?”
“No, I’m not much of a collector.”
“How about souvenirs or trinkets?”
“I don’t have many.”
“Maybe I could help you find something.”
“You would?”
“Sure.”
“It would mean a lot to me.”
“I’ll try to keep my eyes open.”
“Good.”
“Can I see the children’s section?”
“Certainly.”
“This way.”
“Is there anything special you want me to see?”
“Just follow me.”
“I will.”
Rev. Johnson showed her around the room. He pointed out some of his favorite books. The children’s section was full of picture books.
“Here’s one of my favorites.”
“Which one?”
“The Little Engine That Could.”
“That’s a good choice.”
“Yes, it is.”
“I remember when I first started reading. I loved Dr. Seuss.”
“Dr. Seuss?”
“Yes, Dr. Seuss. Did you ever read him?”
“I did but I didn’t like all of them.”
“Some of them were pretty strange.”
“Yes, they were.”
“But I liked Green Eggs and Ham. It had such a funny storyline.”
“Did it?”
“Yes, it did.”
“I’ll have to check that one out.”
“If you do, tell me what you think of it.”
“I will.”
“Now, let me show you the music section.”
“Music?”
“Yes, ma’am. We have a piano in here.”
“A piano?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’ve never played a piano before.”
“Well, then, why don’t you give it a try?”
“I’d love to.”
“I’ll get you a sheet of music.”
“Thank you.”
“I hope you’ll play for us sometime.”
“I sure will, Reverend.”
“Great. Let me go get you a piece of music.”
“Thanks.”
Rev. Johnson returned with a book of piano pieces.
“There you are, Miss Harper. Now let me show you the rest of the house.”
“Thank you.”
“Come on, Miss Harper.”
“All right.”
They walked down the hall. Rev. Johnson opened the door to a small office. “We use this as an extra bedroom,” he said.
“An extra bedroom?”
“Yes, ma’am. A guest room.”
“Why are there two doors?”
“One leads into the kitchen. The other goes outside.”
“Outside?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Oh, I see.”
“So if someone wants to come to visit you, they can stay here.”
“Right.”
“And you won’t have to worry about anyone coming up here.”
“Exactly.”
“Miss Harper, I want you to know how happy I am to have you as part of our family.”
“Me too.”
“I want you to feel comfortable here.”
“I do.”
“Then please call me by my first name.”
The End