The Argo Goes West

43, Last Chance Saloon

The town of Battle Mountain is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The town got its name because settlers and Indians fought blood here, but now it's peaceful. The main industry is gold mining. About 500 people lived leisurely among the reddish ridges. However, three months ago, the railroad stopped and the telegraph line was cut off. The town has become isolated. For reasons unknown, the residents could not stand still. A few volunteers left for the next town, but they never returned. The same thing happened to the search party. The people of the city had no choice but to wait for the railway to be restored.

"Ah."

The saloon's mistress, Frenchy, let out an unhappy sigh. "Nobody comes. I know it's because the railroad stopped and the mining wages didn't arrive. But without sales, I can't pay the girls. What should I do?"

"Girls don't run away," said Sheriff Nash. Tall and handsome. The eyes are clear blue. He was rumored to be a former Texas Ranger. "They can't go anywhere. They have to stay in town. Just like everyone else."

"Yeah," Frenchy frowned and began to twirl her blond locks with her fingers. Frenchy was an outsider. She drifted from town to town and arrived at this town. She was no longer young. She took out a loan and opened her own saloon, intending to live here permanently. So the name of the saloon was "Last Chance" However, if this situation continued for a long time, she would not be able to pay her debts, close the shop, and have to live a life of wandering again. She worried about the future.

"I'm also worried about the liquor stock. Even if customers come, if there is no liquor in the saloon, they will go home. Hey sheriff. Can I get some liquor from somewhere? "

Nash shrugged and said, "Make your own moonshine. I'll let it slide."

"If I could make it, I would have already made it." Frenchy pouted her lips sulkingly. Nash found her gesture amusing. He looked like she was a little girl.

"Shall I show you how?" said Nash.

"Please."

"Dilute the sake you have now with water, so it will last a little longer."

"I see. That's a good idea. I'll try it next time."

Frenchy said so, but she had been doing it for a long time. Perhaps one of the customers filed a complaint with the sheriff's office and Nash tried to trick her into telling the truth. Frenchy was wary of Nash, but Nash casually said he would come again and left.

The streets of the town were less lively than they were three months ago. The railroad suspension was a big blow to the town. Nash was especially worried about food and fuel. Of course, they had to save these, but they had to grow their own food and cut down trees in the forest to secure fuel. They had to go back in time. To the time when they cleared the virgin forest and lived modestly despite the lack of supplies. To a time when there was no industrial revolution, no capitalism, no surplus labor. To the Woods life practiced by Thoreau.

"Sheriff!"

Assistant Sheriff Herman ran to Nash. He sported a shiny gold hexagonal star badge on his chest. He was very upset.

"What happened?" asked Nash. 

Herman swallowed and answered.

"A robbery! a bank robbery! They was taking hostages and barricading themselves in the City of Banks."