Free The Cogan Legend by R. E. Miller Page A

building.  Gas lanterns with four-sided panes to illuminate the way for guests adorned the front of the building.
    Finally, the coach stopped and Lewey opened the door, “This is where we are staying.”
    â€œThe Jefferson Hotel. This looks like a nice place,” Ann voiced her approval as she read the name above the wooden and glass doors of the entrance.  
    The ladies exited the coach and fluffed their clothing, creased and wrinkled from the long coach ride.  They followed Lewey up the steps past two marble lion statues and into the lobby which was filled with the faint smell of burning cigars and the chatter of guests.  Sunlight streamed into the lobby through windows that reached to the floor as guests took advantage of the sunny day sitting by the windows and reading.
    While Lewey headed to the main desk, Ann gently nudged Rachel and whispered, “This must be the finest hotel in Sunbury.  It looks like the furniture and brocade drapes could be from New York or Philadelphia.”
    â€œI’ve never stayed in an elegant hotel like this.  Actually, I’ve never even stayed anywhere overnight before I met you,” Rachel admitted as she continued looking around the lobby.
    Meanwhile, Lewey stood at the mahogany counter to register for their stay.  After helping with the bags, he went to unhitch the coach and take the horses to the livery stable.
    Anxious to see the town, the girls quickly unpacked their clothing, shoving everything into a small, four-drawer chest in their room.  They were refreshed and waiting in the lobby when Lewey returned from the livery stable.
    He sensed their excitement but insisted, “You must wait for me before we go.  I need to get some of the dust off.  Give me twenty minutes to wash up,” he demanded.  
    The two friends waited in the lobby by the front window just gazing around at the town.  The passersby smiled and nodded while gentlemen tipped their hats.
    Ann commented, “I think I will like this town even though I haven’t seen a man yet that interests me, but we just got here.”
    â€œSo that’s what you’ve been thinking about,” laughed Rachel shaking her head.
    Finally, Lewey was ready for their walk.  It was a crisp, cold, sunny, late autumn day.  They walked east down the main street where most of the buildings seemed to be centered.  The cobblestone streets were lined with elm trees.  The street was divided by a narrow park that went all the way to the base of the mountain.  There were dress and hat shops, hotels, a bank, and several restaurants.  Both girls felt relieved to be in civilized surroundings.  They felt comfortable as they entered the shops and saw more updated fashions.  “It almost feels like we are back in Philadelphia,” confessed Rachel.
    Like in most small cities, the shops were built tight against each other, making it convenient for shopping and warmth in the winter.  The buildings were made of wood, with the owners living on the second and third floors.  The bank and hotels were brick, an indication of status.  
    After visiting the shops that interested them, Ann wanted to tour the rest of Sunbury.  Walking west toward the river, she noticed a flurry of buckboards and wagons bypassing the main street.  “I wonder why most activity seems to be avoiding this area.  We’ll have to inquire,” Ann teased looking at Lewey.  
    Walking to the end of the main street, they observed the wooden fencing of a fort.  Later, they’d learned from the hotel clerk that Fort Augusta was an outpost for the United States Army, built on the outskirts of Sunbury to protect the town from Indians.  The Indians had all but disappeared, and the fort was in the process of being phased out.
    Much of the commotion seemed to be happening in a large building adjacent to the fort.  Lewey trailed behind totally uninterested in