The proposed route crossed several parcels.
One belonged to Willow Creek.
Another crossed part of Caleb's western pasture.
Victor had been negotiating as though he controlled both.
But when the railroad's land agent examined the older records, he discovered Henry's properly recorded grant to Caleb.
That created a problem.
The western parcel was not included in Victor's claimed foreclosure of the remainder of Willow Creek, regardless of whether that foreclosure ultimately proved valid.
Without Caleb's cooperation or some other lawful means of acquiring the necessary interest, the railroad couldn't simply treat his land as Victor's to sell.
Victor tried to persuade the railroad that Caleb's title was defective.
The company's representatives asked for supporting evidence.
He produced accusations.
They wanted documents.
The negotiations slowed.
Then, one morning, Caleb received an offer from an intermediary willing to purchase the western pasture outright.
The proposed price was substantial.
More money than Caleb had earned in many years.
He could have accepted.
He could have left Willow Creek and built a comfortable life elsewhere.
But the offer contained an acknowledgment supporting Victor's position concerning the adjoining property.
Caleb refused.
Instead, he visited Whitcomb.
The attorney examined the documents Henry had given him.
Then Caleb asked whether he could transfer the western pasture to Evelyn.
Whitcomb looked surprised.
“Mr. Mercer, that's valuable property.”
“I know.”
“Are you certain you want to give it away?”
Caleb looked toward the window.
For a long moment, he was silent.
Then he answered.
“I've spent years believing that holding on to this land would prove I belonged somewhere.”
Whitcomb listened.
Caleb continued.
“But Henry wanted his daughter to have a home. And Victor is trying to use the boundaries between us to keep us fighting over what should never have been stolen.”
The lawyer studied him.
“I won't prepare a transfer unless you understand the consequences.”
Caleb nodded.
They discussed the implications carefully, including the fact that signing away his interest would not automatically resolve the dispute over the rest of Willow Creek. Caleb understood that he would relinquish ownership, and he accepted that any future right to live there would depend upon Evelyn's choice or a later agreement.
Whitcomb warned him not to confuse love with self-destruction.
Caleb smiled sadly.