The two major railroads that would tie Duluth to the rest of the United States required more workers than ever, and with this in mind, Jay Cooke had sent word to hire immigrants. They were grateful for work, wouldn’t argue about the wages, and many had special skills related to the railroad. He told Luke in a very detailed letter to start plans for immigrant railroad housing. He wanted the housing in place by the next year and suggested using some of the excess land near the depot and railyards.

Every day, Luke could see the progress being made and wondered at the future of this growing city. When he’d first heard of Duluth, there couldn’t have been more than a few hundred people living there—if that. Now there were nearly three thousand. Housing was difficult to find, and because of that, Luke had purchased additional tracts of land for himself and hired builders to put together simple one-story houses. He knew he’d have no trouble renting out the places once they were complete in the summer. He felt that Duluth was rapidly advancing and proving itself to be worth the investment, and now he had his future with Gloriana and the children to consider.

“That’s the last of it,” Archie said as he checked through a stack of papers. “Everything we expected with this first order is here. I’ll get the men to move it out onto the line.”

Luke nodded. “Thanks, Archie. I know this isn’t your job, but given Ray is so sick, I appreciate you stepping in to help me.” Ray Willis, the supply manager, had taken on a bad pneumonia and was even now abed, fighting for recovery.

Believing his duties complete at the docks, Luke made the trek back to his office. The day had turned out sunny and brilliant but still quite chilly, and he was grateful for the warmth of the offices when he returned.

“You have a visitor waiting,” Theodore announced. He got to his feet to help Luke with his hat and coat as he did every time Luke came or went. “If you don’t need me, I have some paperwork to deliver to Mr. Rowland.”

“That’s fine. Who is my visitor?”

“I am.”

Luke knew the voice immediately. He turned and met his father’s stern expression. He finished handing his gloves to Theodore before forcing a smile. “Father. It’s good to see you.”

“More like a surprise, I would warrant.”

“That too.” Luke looked at Theodore. “Feel free to get those papers to Archie. He plans to oversee the supply delivery.”

“Very good, sir.” Theodore took up his own hat and coat. “I shouldn’t be gone long.”

Luke waited until his secretary had departed to question his father. “Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

“I was afraid you wouldn’t approve.”