In the last episode of Caribou Joe and the Building of the Grand Truck Pacific, Joe awakens in the Wall brothers' shack after falling off the railroad tracks in a velocipede.
The fellow was sitting on the edge of the wooden bunk bed where Joe lay. He was shaking Joe's arm, "Listen, Son, you can't sleep forever. You've been lying here all day." The man turned his head away from Joe and called across the room, "John, the kid's awake now." He got up and walked over the wood-burning barrel-heater and removed a screaming tea kettle from the heat.
The man spoke to John again, "Hurry up with that basin, eh, I'd like to shave, too." John's face was half covered with lather as he waved his straight razor in the air, "You'll get your turn. Why don't you ask your friend if he's hungry? I'm ready for my eats. I hear they're serving caribou steaks at Dad's place tonight. Perhaps the lad would like to go into town with us."
The man returned to Joe's bunk to find the young bootlegger propped up on one elbow.
Joe spoke, "How long have I been here? Where am I? Who are you? What time is it?"
"I'm Bill Wall," he explained. "And we're just west of 'The Cache'."
My brother, John, and I carried you in yesterday. We found you laid out over by the mainline. You were quite a mess. You must have got hit by the work-train that went back to Mile 49 last night. You never saw the train coming? And what were you doing out there on the tracks? You're lucky to be alive!"
"I was on my way to Tte Jaune," said Joe. "I must have lost my way in the dark. Thanks for taking care of me. Did I hear someone mention food?"
"We're going down to the restaurant in a while," announced John. "Then maybe over to the shootin' gallery. Why don't you get dressed and we'll show you around town. I noticed the initials on your belt buckle. J. L. What might your name be?
"I'm Joe Leboe. Just came down from Thompson Crossing on the Canadian Northern line. I'd be happy to join you for supper. I'd like to wash up, too, when that basin is free. I got some slivers in my hands." Joe looked down at his palms and examined the bits of fine gravel and splinters. "I can't remember what happened to me!"
Joe got dressed and was pleased to discover that all his moonshine money was still safely hidden in the lining of his heavy wool coat. Joe and the Wall Brothers were soon ready to hit the boardwalks of Tte Jaune Cache. (Actually there were very few boardwalks. Mostly mud and slush.) Joe was still feeling weak and sore, but he knew that a good plate of stew would fix him up. They left the cabin and began walking on a well-beaten path that ran parallel with the railway tracks. The town-site at Mile 52 was only a quarter-mile away.
In the next episode, Joe Meets Sally, walk with Joe as he discovers the main street of Tte Jaune Cache. The Wall Brothers make quick introductions and leave Joe alone with Swamp Sally. Find out why Joe is so interested in that young Shuswap girl.
