It is with great pain that I struggle to pen this journal entry today. The pain comes from the very reason for the entry. Oh what a day it turned out to be! It began when I ran into the little German boy again. He motioned for me to come look with him into the window of a newly opened saloon. As I drew closer, I heard something that almost brought a tear to my eye....music!
The little boy was just as delighted as I to hear the sweet, joyous sound of a piano being played. Upon looking in the window, I saw a man pouncing away on the keys releasing a lively tune. It had been so long since I heard music. I was overcome with the sweet tinkling of the keys, as was the little boy. I was almost drawn to it....as it has been ages since I touched the ivory keys of a piano. I boldly walked in and begged of the man to allow me to play just once. He introduced himself as a one, Mr. Albert Starsmith. He was very kind in allowing me to play. I tried to get the little boy to come in with me but he was too frightened or didn't understand. The kind gentleman offered a glass of milk to him but the boy just stood outside looking in smiling.
I sat down at the glorious instrument and laid my callused fingers lovingly on the keys. The man asked if I needed sheet music but I didn't. I knew everyone note by heart. Oh I felt a rush of delight come over me as I began to play a lively ditty. As I turned and looked out the window, the boy was stepping in time with the song! What a wonderful sight it was. I think the kind gentleman was enjoying the scene as well. Playing music again felt like home....home! Even for a few moments while the song lasted, I was once again back at my family's house playing for my friends.
Mr. Starsmith was generous enough to let me play a second tune and the boy danced happily to that as well. The kind Mr. Starsmith extended an offer to allow me to come play whenever I fancied as long as the place wasn't filled with ruffians. I happily accepted as I find the most joy playing music. It wasn't long before I came back to reality and realized I had made a promise to give a treat to the young boy should I ever see him again. I thanked Mr. Starsmith hurriedly and quickly stepped outside to catch the little boy to give him his present. I looked anxiously around for him but could not find him.
I propped myself most unlady like against the pole outside the saloon as I heard the gentleman inside pick up one of the classics....Beethoven...Moonlight Sonata. Oh how I had played that a hundred times over for my brother Andrew. I closed my eyes to happily get lost in the reverie when I was startled by Mr. O'Connel sneaking up on me.
It had been some days since my seeing him and in those days I had learned of his recent marriage. We talked of happy occasion and I wished him the best in his new matrimony and of course lots of children. The sounds of the Mr. Starsmith's playing kept drifting outside...pulling me away from Deadwood and back to my beloved Bellevue. Somewhere in the melodic sounds I heard a scream.....
It was the little boy.........I also heard a commotion not far from the creek. Tom and I took off in a hurry to the creek to see what was happening. Shots fired! One man who was panning in the creek lay on the ground while a girl was standing there. I ran behind the tree and screamed for the girl to run so she wouldn't get hurt. The brave Mr. O'Connel took off in the direction of where the shots were coming from. I quickly gathered myself....straightened my thoughts and looked around the tree for a brief moment. Down went Tom! There was no one here...but me ....I heard voices in the distance but Tom was out there on the ground alone...needing help. I quickly grabbed my rifle out of the back sling and came out from the tree. I looked up in the rocky boulder within the trees and seen the man moving about. I fired ....smoke everywhere .....I fire again...but he was still moving......I fired a 3rd shot and then......the most horrible pain stabbed into my right shoulder and blood started pouring everywhere onto my dress.....down I went.
I heard Mr. Starsmith coming behind me ....yelling and shooting as well......so much confusion....I was blinded by the tears and smoke. The pain was intense in my arm. Then ...quiet.....I remember opening my eyes and seeing Tom through blurred vision once.......then the next I was being jolted around a bit and opening my eyes again I saw Mr. Starsmith ....he was carrying me. He carried me a long time until he came to the doctor's cabin. I was in excruciating pain and was very weak from the loss of blood. My mind started to come alive with worry about the little boy. Had that lunatic of a man gunned him down too? I didn't know. Was Tom alright...I didn't know. All of these things I longed to know. Mr. Starsmith gave me some whiskey to drink that I about choked on but drank anyway. Anything to lessen the pain. He insisted I rest and not put on such a fuss and move about. I finally fell into a deep slumber. When I awoken...Mr. Starsmith had stitched, cleaned and dressed my wound in my shoulder but he was nowhere to be found. I will forever be in debt to him....for showing me kindness and saving my life.
Later on when I had some strength...I snuck into his saloon while no one was there and even though it hurt a great deal....I played Beethoven. While the music poured out of the piano...it's sad and slow rhythm, I couldn't help but see Cole's face in my thoughts. I must end now as my arm is throbbing and sore and I must lay down to rest. Today was most certainly a day to remember. ~A.C. Abbot~
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