“Your working title will be general manager. The various work gangs each have a boss. In turn, these bosses report to the project managers, and they will report to you. Each team is to document the progress made on the line, as well as detail lists of what new supplies are needed. You will go over all of the requests and note whether they are reasonable or whether something different should be done. You will be my eyes and ears. You will double-check that plans are going ahead as configured by our people and see that no one who is against us interferes. Can you do this?”

“Yes, to the best of my ability. However, if there is a problem between the cities, that concerns me.”

“There are reasons for concern. Superior has gone against us every step of the way. They want to force our hand and make their city the railroad terminus. I have bought a considerable amount of property in Duluth, which is why I want the railroad there. That was my risk, but Superior’s investors were hardly offering up the kind of money I was. It has created bad blood that will only be perpetuated when the Northern Pacific lays tracks in the spring. You have always seemed like a levelheaded young man. I’ve heard of you negotiating difficult deals where the other party seemed unwilling to yield even an inch. I feel you are the man for this job.”

“I appreciate your confidence,” Luke told the older man. “I will do my best for you.”

“Good. I will pay you your regular salary.” Mr. Cooke paused and ran his hand down his very long beard. “I will also give you a monthly bonus for your trouble and the isolation.”

Luke nodded. Whatever was going on in Duluth, it was to his advantage, and he would get to see Scott again. Poor Scott. He had fallen in love with the kitchen maid and married her shortly after the death of the girl’s mother the previous December. They had hoped to keep the marriage from his father, who had no problem with his son having a dalliance with the help but would never accept one as a family member. When it was learned there would be a baby, Scott had found it necessary to confess his actions. Father had not only been upset by the news, he’d become furious and had irreversibly disinherited Scott. They had left Philadelphia in shame and settled in Duluth with financial help from Luke.

“I will expect regular letters from you each week, if possible,” Mr. Cooke continued. “I realize the winter months will make this more difficult, so a monthly report during that time will be acceptable.”

“I understand and will do what I can to see that you have what information is available.”

Mr. Cooke got to his feet, and Luke rose as well. They shook hands, and the financier handed Luke an envelope. “Travel expenses.”