Tracks of Gold
Scene: A dusty train car rattling westward across the Great Plains, 1870. A gambler in a fine gray suit and a young woman in a faded calico dress sit across from each other in the dim light of late afternoon. The whistle of the train punctuates the quiet murmur of passengers in the car. Gambler: "I’d wager you’re running from something, Miss. A girl like you doesn’t end up on a westbound train with nothing but a satchel for no reason." Young Woman: [glances out the window, avoiding his gaze] "And I’d wager a man like you doesn’t mind his own business for no reason." Gambler: [chuckling, tipping his wide-brimmed hat back] "Touché. But a train ride’s a long journey, and talking makes the time pass quicker. Besides, I’ve got an eye for stories. Yours, I reckon, is worth hearing." Young Woman: [finally meets his eyes] "What makes you think my story’s any different than the rest? I’m just another face on this train, heading somewhere new....