IIG - What CanÂ’t Be Bought
The morning air is pleasantly cool as McGraw sets out for the Gehrig farm, sunrise having turned the eastern edge of the valley into the color of flame, the rest of the sky the hue of faded roses. Lincoln’s Main Street is quiet as McGraw makes his way along it. The Montaño Store and La Iglesia de San Juan Bautista have lights burning in their windows, and the porch of Wilson’s Saloon already has a handful of loiterers, but otherwise all is quiet. Birdsongs and the buzz of insects become the inventor’s accompaniment as he leaves the town behind him.
When he reaches the Gehrig farm, McGraw finds young Micah Gehrig stepping down from the front porch, a hoe over one shoulder, his dark hair stuffed beneath a straw hat. The cart that the engineer repaired sits beside the fence, empty.
Micah blinks in surprise as he recognizes McGraw. ”Mornin’, Mr. McGraw. What brings you back out this way? You helpin’ another family nearby?”