“If someone is working against us, it’s best to know it right away,” Rowland said. “I’ve seen tampering of this sort before, and it always ends up costing a pretty penny.”

Luke nodded and steepled his fingers as he leaned back in his leather chair. “I’ll give this some thought. Meanwhile, we need to find those work orders and original maps. We’ll compare the numbers and see if anything has been altered. And if they have . . . then we’ll have to figure out who is responsible. Can you leave right away for St. Paul, Archie?”

“I can.”

Theodore tried not to react in any way to what Luke said, but he delighted in the trouble he’d already caused. He would see Carson’s doom if it was the last thing he did.

After his appointment with Archie, Luke met with Roger Munger. The meeting only furthered Luke’s excitement about the town. Munger wanted a canal dug to give ships direct access to the harbors on the Duluth side of the bay. Superior, of course, fought this idea, because keeping the only entry into the bay on their side would guarantee they had the lion’s share of business.

Munger felt confident that the canal could be dug for a minimal cost without damage to the breakwaters. He was convinced there was more than enough shipping for both Duluth and Superior, and with the railroads coming in, Duluth must have this direct approach.

Luke agreed and pledged his intention to invest. He promised also to speak with Jay Cooke on the matter as soon as possible. Munger was pleased and left without any time for socializing. He did, however, invite Luke to come to dinner the following Thursday.

“Be sure to put that on my appointment calendar,” Luke told Theodore as he dressed to go back out into the cold.

“I’ve already taken care of it,” Theodore replied. He got up and helped Luke with his coat and hat. “Will you be returning today?”

“I don’t think so. I have an appointment with Judge Prescott, and then I believe I’ll catch up on correspondence at home.” Luke wrapped the scarf around his neck and pulled on his gloves. “Do what you can to find those original work orders. I know we sent the maps to St. Paul, so I may need to send you down there as well. I don’t want to if it can be avoided, however. Talk to Archie. If he feels he can handle things from that end, you won’t need to go. Otherwise, if he wants your help, then I think we must give it.”

“Very good, sir. I will find an opportunity to speak to him.”