June 7th, 1869
The condition of the town has stayed much the same. The ill miners still show no improvement, and they’ve started to become delirious. Before, they were only afflicted with the nasty wounds from the rash, but now when one passes by the infirmary, they are followed by howls and shrieks of addled minds. At the very least it seems to not yet be contagious. Everyday I pray to God that it remains that way. Whichever way it goes, I hope the ill men either recover or die soon, so their cries will cease penetrating my bedroom at night. All the families of the ill are becoming restless as well. They're wondering when their husbands and fathers will be cured, and complaining about their welfare rations being too little, leaving children hungry. None of that is any of my problem. As I see it, they should be able to provide for themselves or they can die. It would be less for me to worry about that way.
In better news, Ralph’s condition is improving. He’s been moved back to his own house, to avoid the sickness. He’s speaking now in short intervals, when his strength allows. I feel badly for the poor fellow. He’s become rather jumpy, and has a strange look about him, like he’s expecting to be attacked again. Benjamin knows him quite well, so I've been tagging along during visits, just to hang back and see what I can learn. We won't yet have him interrogated about his attack, but as soon as his strength allows he’ll be questioned.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
I’ve been having some rather strange encounters with the local wildlife recently. The passing weather has still not let up, so the entire town is a deluge of slimy mud. A bear wandered into town and sat on my doorstep for hours. I’ve seen deer standing up on their hind legs, and clouds of bugs coating my windows. Sometimes I feel as though the entire countryside is pitted against me. My job is difficult enough without all these pests coming around and bothering me. I’ve begun to carry a handgun for my own safety, should any nasty creatures attempt to do me harm. Many other men are also carrying weapons with them. I'm not sure if it's because of conflicts with other men, or fear of the strange animal’s behaviour. I haven't heard anyone else mention anything about the animals, so I'm keeping that detail to myself for now.
Benjamin has been tense lately due to Joe’s return to work. He’s not back in full capacity, but he’s doing what he can. He’s in an especially bad mood lately, but I don't blame him. It’s horrid here, and he’s just being honest. Benjamin and Joe have gotten into a few arguments in the mines, over petty things like who gets the best tools, and who gets to take an early lunch. I’ve been wondering lately what it is in their past that makes them hate each other so. I’ll ask Benjamin about it soon, and hopefully he’ll trust me enough to confide in me.