Dawn broke as they made the bend into the Mississippi. Catspaugh gazed out of the wheelhouse at a sight that stiill, after all these years, left him awed at its majesty. In his youth he had longed to see the confluencs of these two great rivers and often imagined the sight as he poled his jonboat on the Tuscarawas and Walhonding......mere creeks by comparison. Today would be more relaxed for him. The entertainment would be in full swing and perhaps he could enjoy it with the passengers. Perhaps there would be some time with the Baton Rouge belle. He hoped so. Only the nagging thought of the shadow he thought he had seen during the loading last night kept him from real relaxation. He didn't know who it was or to what purpose of even if the figure was real, but the thought still made him uneasy. Nothing to do now but be on guard. He could still go to the bar and have a drink, listen to the minstrels......maybe he'd even sing one himself. But he'd be watching for that shadowy figure behind his back.

Spaw