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Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern
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Subject: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Lonesome EJ Date: 22 Jan 00 - 11:52 PM It's the year of 1833, and tucked into the bend of a broad flat Western river is a small log structure that bears the name Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post,Trapping Supplies,and Tavern. Several beaver pelts dry in the sun, a tepee surrounded by several Indian women is pitched just downstream. Inside, there is a combination bar and sales counter composed of several smooth pine planks sitting atop oak barrels. The walls are bedecked with traps, pelts,and antlers. Canned goods and dry goods are stacked in corners. A heavy-set bearded man sits at a table playing Betsy from Pikeon a fiddle, while a smiling Indian boy sits in the sawdust watching him and smiling. Me? I'm the General Manager for Mr Mudcat Spiegel, currently visiting family back in Philadelphia, in the United States. Name's Lazarus Ebediah Jones, but most folks just call me LEJ. Take a load off stranger, pull a stool up by the fire...will ye have some good Kentucky Whiskey or a mug of ale? |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 23 Jan 00 - 12:23 AM Ahh LEJ a mug of your good ale please, How much will a nights food and lodging cost? will these southsea pearls buy a fellah some comfort...Shelling out a handfull of beautifully shaped and coloured pearls onto the table in front of LEJ....The tired and cold sailor looks pleadingly at LEJ...I could do with a rest mate been walking all day and most of last night... been thinking of farming in these parts. or maybe try ranching, anything but go back to sea on them coffin ships I've seen too many deaths at sea... Those poor bloody Irish immigrants most of them never even make it across to America, those that do usually die of disease or overwork and starvation NOT ME MATE i've had it, sod the sea I'll get a job on a riverboat before I'd go back on them Atlantic Packets. Any odd jobs around here, hows the trapping? any money in it? |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Jan 00 - 12:35 AM Well Jumpin' Jesus!!! I ne'er thot Ide find thizzeer place. I dun fergot whut a gud drink wuz. Ya say yua got some reel Kentucky likker? Lemmee have a few sips on thet jug an if ya gotts place fer me ta git sum rest Ide be mitey holdin to ya. I'm Lamphear Pittis from the Ohio country. Came out heer ta do sum trappin an I got me a fine mess of pelts. Lemmee git sum restin in an we can do sum tradin. Nice ta meet ya Lazarus. Cud ya keep an eye on this gittar fer me. I got it back east afor I come out. Some feller name of Martin jist started makin 'em and this one seems ta be a right fine instermint. Thanks. Ima goin ta get some sleep now an we kin talk more later. One more sip on that jug now...AAHHH....Laz, thets mitey fine. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: JenEllen Date: 23 Jan 00 - 01:09 AM AAAAHHHH! Lovely place to set a spell. Ellie Oakley at yer service. Been workin over at the J-Lazy-H for a solid month now with no liquor or menfolk worth lookin' at. Barkeep, finger or two of the finer stuff for m'self, and another mug for the sailor. *wink* S'pose I'll be havin' ta check my rifle at the bar...I don't aim to shoots none that aint askin for it, and even if they is, I swear I'll only wing'em. Hey, you on the porch! Mind yer walkin' round that hoss of mine. He ain't but green-broke and about as much fun as a hat full of bees. He takes yer fool head off, it'll be yer own fault. Barkeep, where can a trail weary gal find a hot bubble bath in this here outpost?
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Lonesome EJ Date: 23 Jan 00 - 01:26 AM Let me put that feller's guitar over here behind the bar.He looks a hard case don't he? I heard of a Pittis, or Pettit it may be, that done a killing of a constable back in Ohia and come out here on the lamb. Hope it ain't him... but I reckon it don't really matter if it is. Man's a man in my book until he does me a wrong, and they say the West's for starting anew. Now, Dave, it be 50 cents for a bed and dinner. It's a good un with elk and potatoes and cheese. But if you're short, I can let you have a buffaler blanket in the corner, and a hunk of bread and cheese for a dime. And if ye can play and sing, I'll keep the ale coming. I don't know anything about pearls. My dear Mother had some, but other than those, these are the only ones I've ever seen. They might be something in tradegoods with the Indians- or Mudcat Spiegel might make a fair trade when he returns. I have met a few sailor fellers out here in the Missouri, but most was freshwater seaman off the tradeboats from St Louis.You might make a trapper, but not right around here. This basin's been trapped out for years, tho the Shoshone still take some beaver. You best sign up with a master trapper for shares and keep, and head northwest to the Wind River Country. They'll be many here come spring, and some'll need partners. Hey, Elbert! Play our sailor friend here an Irish song if ye know one, and a lively.
I'll tell my Ma, when I get home |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 23 Jan 00 - 08:00 AM LEJ I can sing but I cannot play anything except a Bosun's Call I'll pipe the side and all hands aloft fer ye mate, but not much call for it around these parts I guess. Thats how I came to be here, someone asked me how and why I smoked such a small pipe, I figured that this was about a far away from the sea as I could get; so I stuck the oar I was carrying as the first marker on a piece of land. One of the locals. Nice guy wearing feathers in his hat said his people owned the place, and traded me 200 acres fer a handfull O' these pearls; said it was a good place to stay. For now LEJ I'll take the bread and cheese and dead animal blanket for a dime; until I can make a bit of cash...luxury compared to what I had aboard me last ship. You're sure this is a buffaler and not Bear? I aint allowed to see bears hurt, something I promised a little lass I know..... Lady that .50 calibre Hawken don't wing anything, it rips an arm or a leg clean off so please don't point it at anything. Sweetheart,you hop into the hot tub and I'll blow all the bubbles ye want in it fer ye...LEJ pass me a straw mate I got a job to do... |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Jeri Date: 23 Jan 00 - 08:45 AM Dave the AM, there's an appropriate song for you at this place. Marching Inland, by Tom Lewis. Anyhow, I'd appreciate a few moments by the fire. Where I come from, it's bitter cold, and I'll have to check all my bits a little later to make sure nothing's been frozen off. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Caitrin Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:32 AM A stage coach comes rolling up, rocking just a little with the speed. It comes to a bumpy halt right outside the trading post. As it stops, a slim girl with auburn hair jumps off the driver's seat. She comes into the trading post and walks directly to the counter. "Howdy, Laz! I got yer shipment of sugar and flour on the stage. And a couple o' city slickers from Boston that wanted to see the west." She grins, knowing she gave them a little bit rougher of a ride than was necessary. "You got some sasparilla in here?" |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird) Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:55 AM Rye whiskey for me. Speaking of which, fiddler, do you know Rye Whiskey ? T. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: MMario Date: 23 Jan 00 - 11:10 AM what appears to be a pile of pelts in the corner stirs, moves and reveals itself to be a large unshaven man of disreputable looks Music? and supplies? I'll jes' mosey on down the bank and check the trotlines fer sum catfish then, and stir up a batch of corn dodgers to go with 'em. I bin stuck in thizzere place since I brought in a bale of marten skins, and LEJ dun tol' me he would only trade fer martins. heck, I got me confused, they done sound the same...
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Peter T. Date: 23 Jan 00 - 11:24 AM Hon, hon, dis look like de place for de man of de mountain, Black Jack Shellac, you bet. Paid off for de furs, tinkin' bout a creole girl down de way, but premierement, Monsieur Jones, Canadian whiskey. Secret to tell, got Northwest Mounties on my trail, so Yankeeland lookin' pretty good dis moment, you bet. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Mbo Date: 23 Jan 00 - 11:49 AM The sqeeeeks open, and in walks a short young man with a red moustache and small spectacles. He wears bluejeans that have permanently stained cuffs, a furry coat, and a low crowned Stetson. Howdy folks! The name's Matthew. I hail from Philly like yer good man Spiegel, but I been livin' all over the place back east. You know, I was livin' down in New River Courthouse in Carolin' when one night, when watchin' the starlight fallin' on me, I looked up high, and thought there might just be a better life. Far away from all I'd known--that's where I wanted to go--out on the wild side. So, I left home, and made my way out west. I met a lotta people along the way, and somehow picked up the monniker "M-Bo." I got a guitar, but mostly I do art work (working with the Indians and some settlers)--say Mister LEJ, could ya use a freize on them logs? --Matthew |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Susan A-R Date: 23 Jan 00 - 11:50 AM A woman with wild, graying hair, a fiddle strapped to her back, and arms corded with muscle rides up on a nasty looking black and white pinto pony. After she has watered the evil-eyed little fellow, she hitches him to the rail and steps lightly in the door. Howdy LEJ. Glad to see the stage is here. I could use a bit of sugar. So what do these layabouts want for food? She says, tying her hair back under a bandana and heading for the big black cookstove. Oh, for you new folks, my name's Susan Bean,and if you bring it in, and it can be cooked, I can cook it. Rummaging in the pie safe, she pulls out beans, salt pork from the crock, and some dried herbs. Soon there is a pot of beans boiling merrily on the cookstove. There. Now, who wanted that fiddle tune? |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: katlaughing Date: 23 Jan 00 - 11:59 AM Some beans and hot coffee'd be mightily 'preciated, Miz Bean, if yew don' mind. Have yew been out here long? I hain't seen too many white wimmin, since I took up with the Indians, fact is, I only come in here 'bout once a yar to practise my words and git some supplies. Tell me, have you been back east at all? What's it like there now? Don't git me wrong now, I love my life, but sometimes, there's just this little bit of me, the girl I used to be I guess, who jist wonders what it's like back there, wot I left so many years ago. Doya know the Missouri Waltz? My daddy used ta play for us kids. I got my drum out back in my pack, so maybe later I could drum us up a blanket dance. Oh, wot's that? Oh, the folks I live with call me katdancing, but you kin call me kat. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Susan A-R Date: 23 Jan 00 - 12:10 PM Well Kat, I've been out here for over 30 years, so I can't help ye much, but the folks on the stage might be able to once they get their land legs back. Caitrin gave 'em a bit of a rock on the way in. No, my folks moved out from Vermont the year there was no summer, 1800 and froze to death, remember. We've worked our way west over the past 30 years, and about 5 years ago me and my sweetie Mike moved out to a spot just up the river. I've been busy raisin our kids until just a bit back. Now they've gone and I come in to cook for LEJ when the stage comes through. Gives the easterners some good food, and I get to pick up supplies and any mail if it comes in. My sister did go back east, but she doesn't write much. From what I hear, sounds like the cities are gettin more crowded, the rich folks are puttin on airs like they were from Paris or London or somethin, and anone with any grit is movin out and headin' west. All of this speech is delivered as Sue mixed cornmeal, a bit of buttermilk, some wild onions and fat, and sets a skillet sizzling. Soon there are crisp corn dodgers to go with a good pot of black coffee. Dusting her hands on her apron, Sue reaches for her fiddle and says, And now for that Missouri Waltz. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Peter T. Date: 23 Jan 00 - 12:55 PM Like to hear dat Yankee chanson Shenando, apres de Missouri Waltz, Madame Bean, s'il vous plait, almost good as dat Cadet Rousselle, you bet. Can do? |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Caitrin Date: 23 Jan 00 - 01:47 PM Kat, I just came in from the east...bringin' in supplies. It's somethin' else, lemme tell ya. Some buildings as much as seven stories high! Never before seen the like, m'self. People dress up real purdy, too. The women in them fancy dresses, trussed up in them corsets so tight it looks like they cain't breathe, and men wearin' top hats and suchlike. Jest about makes a mountain girl like me sit and stare! |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Susan A-R Date: 23 Jan 00 - 02:19 PM Why, I'll put down the fiddle and peel some taters and sing a bit. That Shenando is a pretty one. Maybe Red River Valley too. Then, once I get the onions in here too, and some nice elk, I'll make some biscuts and then dust off the fiddle again with some of the Canadian tunes I learned back in New England,Gaspe reel, yes no? |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: JenEllen Date: 23 Jan 00 - 03:00 PM Thanks for the mess of hot water LEJ, and you can take that straw outta that there sailor any time now.. Good scald on the dodgers, Miz Bean. The cook at the J-Lazy-H only serves one way, and that's as black as the pot it was cooked in. You want a little meat, you jus give me a nod, allright darlin? That ol' Hawken might jes be as long as I am tall, but it don't ever miss... Say ladies, whiles the menfolk is back talkin cards and whiskey, lessay we stir up a little on our own?
*Susan wipes her floured hands off on her apron, and cradles her fiddle. katdancing rests a drum against her hip, her bare feet stir up dust on the floor. Ellie starts to sing her favorite song of the trail*
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: katlaughing Date: 23 Jan 00 - 03:55 PM Whoo...eeeeee! Dat's one o'mah very favourites and the tribe I'm with don' wanna sing it, ya know!? Hain't heard itin yars. Oh, my, that do take me back. The fust time I evah heard it was a sweet guy outta Illeenoyse singing, ole Artemis Thieme, it was. Any of you all know him? Ya know last yar afore the season hit, we went over thar to Blue Mountain, west o'here. One o'the prettiest places I ever seen. But I didn't see a horse head anywhere on it; don't know what the singer was thinking about. I'll jist drum real soft liek to that one, ya know, kinda the beat of the old mother's heart. But, ya'll wait, I hain't been to any white man's dances in yars, ya git going and I'll do a double time gitcha going 'no time! I've learned qwite a few of them fancy rithums from the best of the people I live wid, and whew, they can dance! |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Mikal Date: 23 Jan 00 - 03:58 PM (A slow-footed mule that must have been the offspring of an ass and a Morgan paces it's way up the trail, coming to a halt before the post. A largish man in a black greatcoat slides off the worn saddle and pulls at the blunderbuss that hangs by his side. It is balanced by the drum and tipper that hang from the other shoulder. ) (He pauses in the doorway, smiling at the scene before him. Then he waits until the song ends, and lifts his drum to play;) As I was going over, the far-famed Kerry mountains, I spied Coronel Farrel and his money he was countin' I snatched up me pistols and I rattled me saber sayin' Stand and deliver for I am a bold deceiver! Hus a ring a ma do ama da Whack fol the dady oh Whack fol the dady oh There's whiskey in the jar…. Rum! Trader I say rum for the lads and lasses here! I've thirty two crowns late of His Majesties payroll that slipped into my hand! I've took the kings shilling, then took the paymaster's mule about five days ago. I am sure they will look as best they can for me. (He lays a saber on the table, then pulls both smoothbore horse pistols out and eases down the flints.) If the rum is hot, I'll sit and sing a spell. There's a good lad! Now is there a fair young lass that knows a tune or two here? I've a song inside me that has been straining all the way around the last two passes! Oh some takes delight in the fishin' and the bowlin' And some takes delight in the carriage wheels a rollin' But I takes delight in the juice of the barley! And courtin' pretty ladies in the mornin' bright and early! Mikal |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: katlaughing Date: 23 Jan 00 - 04:33 PM Betcha knowd this one, too, then:
And he did like the ladies, the rise and the fall |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Mikal Date: 23 Jan 00 - 04:36 PM (he turns to the Frenchman in the colorful blanket coat.) If thosse boys in red was not lookin' for me, I'll be a dry flat their lookin' for you. The snow is comming down from the high ground though, and if they've not found this place by now, I'm sure they'll be hanging paper for us both come Sunday. I've no rule against drinking with Voyaguers, as long as there's two cups twixt us! Hey, Mudcat! Two more rums hot with a butter in them. I'll sing for the lads so late of the King's guard up North! "Come laddies come, hear the cannons roar Tak' the King's shilling an' we're off tae war "Oh he looked sae prood and sae gallant then Wi' his kilt and sporran an' his musket gun And the ladies kissed them as they marched awa' And they sailed awa' boys They sailed awa', boys, by the Broomielaw "Come laddies come, hear the cannons roar Tak' the King's shilling an' we're off tae war "The pipes they played as they marched along And the men they sang oot a battle song "March on, march on," cried our Captain gay And for King and country For King and country we will fight this day" (Outside the snow begins to fall slow heavy and wet.) Mikal
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,MAG Date: 23 Jan 00 - 05:11 PM The waltz was marvelous, the Gaspe Reel got my feet moving, and I enjoyed playing rhythm on "Blue Mountain." (I've mentioned before that I live at the Northern tip of the Blues.) since I'm trekking in from the West, how about one we've all learned from Art's recording, I once had a home And a place of abode But I I started to travle On the Wilderness Road -- MA |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,Mbo Date: 23 Jan 00 - 05:26 PM Well, that's some mighty nice food ye got there, Ma'am! I got me fiddle too, bought it from the Sears & Roebuck catalog, I did. Kinder cheap, but it gets the job done. When I was down in Carolin' I met a man who dad came over from Scotland--settled down near Wilmington, down near the Cape Fear, and his here dad wrote him a lullaby when he was just a little 'un. He used to play it on his pipes fer 'em--made it feel like home. Tune's called "Dean Cadalan Samhach" and eeemagine my surprise when I found the same EXACT song over in this big 'ol book called "The Analog Tradition." Fancy that. I'm thinkin' I'm gonna play it right now fers y'all. --Matthew |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: JenEllen Date: 23 Jan 00 - 05:45 PM Lookee at that snow come down...As long as we got them Sears and Roebuck fiddles out boys, I want to sing one for the ladies to twirl to, lemme slip the dulcimer out of my pack now....
I loved a Spanish lady |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Mikal Date: 23 Jan 00 - 06:28 PM Ah, songs to last out th' snows. The high passes are blocked, you know. I've the opinion that the snow will continue into the night. So much for the mounties, eh, Frenchie? Singin' does my heart grand! Pour more rum about! I've a song from my home: Booted and spurred and bridled rode he, A plume in his saddle and a sword at his knee. Back come his saddle, all bloody to see, Back come the steed but never come he. A-ridin' in the Highlands, steep was the way, Ridin' in the Lowlands, hard by the Tay. Out come his mother, with feet all so fair, Out come his sweetheart, a'reivin' of her hair. The meadow's all a'fallin' and the sheep is unshorn, The house is a-leakin' and the baby's unborn, But bonny James Campbell nowhere could be seen, For back come the saddle but never come he. Wait! Did I see a red coat in the snow outside? (He lifts a pistol and the saber, flinging the sheath ito a corner.) Mikal |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Amos Date: 23 Jan 00 - 06:40 PM Nar, 's jes a local sherrif in a lumber shirt -- he's looking for a sailor lad who stole Stormalong's thunder 'bout wanderin' inland until someone asked him what the oar on his shoulder was. (hums under his breath)... Old Stormy he is dead and gone To me way you Stormalong! But now he's dead an' gone to rest, Ay! Ay! ay! Mister Stormalong! Of all ol' skippers he was best, But now he's dead an' gone to rest, He slipped his cable off Cape Horn, Close by the place where he was born. (He lifts the jug and goes back to sleep). Amos |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,Caitrin Date: 23 Jan 00 - 07:04 PM Mbo, you been to Carolina? Why, that's where I hail from. Golden Valley, to be exact, out west by Morganton. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Lonesome EJ Date: 23 Jan 00 - 07:09 PM Dinner's ready in 15 miutes for those of ye as paid for food and lodging. The rest of ye help yerselves to some corn dodgers,pemmican and pickled eggs. Mr Mudcat Spiegel will stand the house to a bottomless cup of ale, and a jigger of rum or whiskey a piece. Jen, you'll not make it back down the trail to the ranch this night, so grab a robe and a spot by the fire. If it's too crowded for accomodation, Laughing Cat says 5 or 6 of ye can fit into the tepee. Don't grin...it'll be a sight warmer in there on a pile of hides and blankets, and with 8 or 9 dogs curlin up on yer feet, than it is in here. Mbo...I do have a job for ye. There's an old Shoshone lady in the village 3 miles up the river name of Sacajawea.The very same that led the Survey Expedition of '03 through these mountains. She's not been well, but she's a grand lady and I would surely like her picture done to hang on this wall. I will pay you three pieces of Spanish gold for it. Here's one
I knowed a girl in Old Saint Lou
Sorry, Suzanna, I cannot stay
Do ye not weep, Suzanna |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,Mbo Date: 23 Jan 00 - 07:14 PM Sho 'nuff Caitrin. New River Courthouse I hear tell is changin' it's name to Jacksonville, after Old Hickory. But before I cam' out here, I was living by the banks of the Tar River, in the county they named by William Pitt. Called the place "Greenville Manor." Sure gotta lot of "green" terbaccy up there...don't know why they call it a manor ayt all... --Matthew |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: katlaughing Date: 23 Jan 00 - 07:24 PM Thet's right, ladies and gents, that teepee be nice and tight and snug, espesheeallee with all the furry critters curled up and it do look like at least un ate or nyne dawg nite, got the fire stoked good, but I'm only lifting the flap oncet, so when I go, ya better come with me. Oh and I'll warn ye now, up with the sun in my wickeeup, for I've got to greet the day and all, ya know? Wouldn't be right not to. If'n ya'll aren't too rowdy, soused, er passet out b'then, come join me ifn ya want; it's a powerful way to start tha day and ya never know, we could do a little med'cine to ward off them Mounties an all. Wakan Taken is a mighty powerful listener wot led me to the tribe wot saved my life. Oh, and Mizter LeeJ, dearie, like the Virginian said, "Smile when ya call me thet", the name's katdancing, when I'm around ya'll, elsewhar the laugh come after the kat, ya ken? There woz some awwful rif-raff in another time and place wot called me that above and it jist don't set right by me now. Now, hold on, don't be drawing no pistolas or nothing. I knowd ya didn't mean anythin' by it, I'se jist settin the record strate. There nos, how's about another tune, phoaks? |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Lonesome EJ Date: 23 Jan 00 - 07:28 PM Alright then Ma'am. Miz Katdancing, that is. Now if ye'd kindly put that pig-sticker back in the scabbard, Ma'am. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Amos Date: 23 Jan 00 - 07:32 PM I don' wan' yore greenback dollar! I don' wan yore fancy clothes But if you'll tell me that you love me! I will let you lead me 'round, by my nose. (goes back to sleep with his jug) |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,Mrs. Eye D. Clair Date: 23 Jan 00 - 07:58 PM There's a timid, but persistent know on the door. finally it penetrates the sound of all the music and goings-ons. Mr. Lazarus Jones strides over and regretting the chane of letting the blizzard in, he carefully cracks the door open. staring back at him, beneath of hood of fur, is the face of an angel. A mature woman, with golden eyes and auburn hair, pushes past him, declaring as she does, "Well, kind sir, don't keep me waiting out there in that dreadful storm! Do you have acommodations for me and my entourage for the night? They are in the barn at the moment tending to our stock." Mister Jones' mouth quickly shuts as he his heart does a double triphammer. for a minute there, as he gazed into her eyes, he was reminded of his sweetheart from long, long ago, the dear sweet Anna of his heart, who he'd had to leave behind. "Well, now, ma'am, I'm not sure wot ya mean by accomodashuns, as we've a full house on account of the storm and all, and well, shore, we can find somewhere to make you comfortable. Now, I'm thinking to myself, you look liek a lady who might have a book or two with her. If'n you do, a bed out back wiht a couple of buffalo robes won't cost you as much if you'll read a bit afore we wind this party down. By the way, what did ya say your name was, ma'am?" "Mrs. Clair, Mrs. Eye D. Clair, late of St. Louis, on my way to my poor departed husband's ranch, God rest his soul. He was a remittance man from England. Perhaps you knew of him?", she smiled at Jones.
(just so nobody get's worried, this is really katlaughing having a little fun) |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,Mbo Date: 23 Jan 00 - 08:11 PM Well, there sure are a lot us here with auburn hair, now ain't there. My passport used to say "Hair color: red" but I done made 'em change it to "auburn." I ain't got no red hair. Now is innyone up fer "Fire On The Mountain"? (the Marshall Tucker Band song, not the fiddle tune--I ain't that guid!) --Matthew |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Mikal Date: 23 Jan 00 - 08:26 PM A rancher and remmitance man? Surely and sorely do I recall: "When the half-baked remittance man comes to the West Arrayed in short pants, which he thinks suits him best, He parades around town, while he takes a short rest Ere assuming the role of a rancher." But no hard feelings, Madam. I may have news of him, if he was the one that was too slow to climb the tree ahead of the bull... Surely there is a brandy about for the "Widow" Clair. Come sit by me dear lady. I have a space that is warm and a face that is honest. Oh, I forget my manners! Michael McLeod at your service, dear lady. Late of His Majesties service. I have "retired" with quite a bit of specie, I might say. Brandy! Bring the dear lady brandy! Is that bit of jewelry at your neck what I think it is my dear? Mikal |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,Mrs. Eye D. Clair Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:21 PM "Why, I do declare, there is after all a gentleman about these parts? Mr. McLeod, thank you for the brandy. Now, now, not so close, kind sir, as I am feeling the need for a little air. His Majesties service you say? Well perhaps you have heard of my poor Reginald, may he rest in peace. Yes, I do believe it was a nasty bovine which attacked him. I, of course, having been raised on the estate of my father, the late Sir Archibald Mckneeson-Pitterman, know the ways of the livestock. I begged daddy to let me come out with Reggie when he first settled!", she said with great heaving sobs threatening to overwhelm her. "If I'd been there, my poor Reggie would still be alive and, well, a woman of my age, well, I, um, can get so lonely sometimes. The jewel? Oh, it's just a little family piece daddy gave me before he died. It belonged to my great grandmother, Flora Estella Darling. I never take it off; it is my prized possession. Kindly take your eyes off of it, sir, if you do consider yourself a gentleman?" |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: JenEllen Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:22 PM Hot Damn! A place by the fire! There ain't no way in heaven or hell I'm getting back to the ranch tonight. The stock is bedded down for the night, and Miz Suzie Bean...I threw down for your Pinto as well, How'd you get to finding such a mean looking critter with such a sweet heart? Mikal, sit tight darlin'..that sherrif won't cause you no trouble. He gives your sweet voice any trouble, he'll have my Hawken to tell him otherwise. Same goes if he's after my bubble blowing sailor. katdancing, I might jus have to take you up on the teepee for the lodging. You don't by chance have an old black dog you'll lend a gal for the night? I'm jus gonna pull this here blanket up 'round my ears (tuck the auburn hair up under m'hat..this is too weird) and give y'all another song that the moon adores but always makes me cry...any of yous so much as looks at me sideways, it'll be the last thing you ever do.
There's a coyote howling somewheres |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:22 PM Slinging his Baker rifle over his shoulder, the ancient mariner bids adieu to "All Hands" I'll be back later when I've built myself a soddie to live in and have something to trade. (get a better deal fer me pearls with the Indians than in here mates)Meebo thats indian fer he who blows into a bag of flutes and howls at the moon. I'm learning the lingo slowly. Jumps up on his huge Shire horse "Bosun" and rides off to the west singing an old marching song from his younger days......
Here's forty shillings on the drum
Though I may wander far from Spain
O'er the hills and O'er the main
So come on lads behind the drum
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Caitrin Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:31 PM Mbo, I'd be most pleased if you'd do "Fire on the Mountain"...one of my personal favorites. Miz Katdancin', I think I'll take you up on that offer of lodging, too. I ain't never stayed in a teepee before, and ol' Leej done let out all the rooms upstairs. Miz Susan, do you reckon you could make some biscuits? I don't think I've had a good biscuit since I left Carolina. *sigh* |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: katlaughing Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:33 PM Hey theyah, old Ranch Gyrl, i's got any colah of dawg you could want; yellah, brown, black, a nice shaggy black, reeeel warm, red dawgs, almost match yer hair. Ya'll come out ta the teepee, but do't be thinking yer gonna see any o'that moon tonite! Now, ain't that seafarin' guy jist the caziest? Takin' off in a storm lyke this? Wots got inta the feller?I'll tell ya wot, the Indians talk about it, it's a crazy spirit wot comes on the winter wind, howlin' down the valley, in around the corners of the tavern and through any crack it kin find. They says it's the spirits of all them wots died and didn't git sung on into the happy huntin' grounds; they's lookin fer someone to blame and I reckon they musta put the crazy notion in thet sailor fellah, him leavin like thet. Sure hope he's got a good med'cine bag wiht him, sose they leave 'im alone. Muttering to herself, she starts digging in a pack for some sweetgrass & sage bundle. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: katlaughing Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:40 PM Wot's that, Caits, oh sure, darlin girl, ya'll kin join us; like I said it's tight and warm, why hell! We's could haf ourse'ves a hen party! Say, I haven't had a chance ta hee-haw with a bunch of white wimmin in a long, long time. I love my people, but ya know the whitehide I was still gets lonesome. Now, wot colah o'dawg are yew wantin', dearie? |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Caitrin Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:49 PM Thanks a bundle, Miz Katdancin'. I'm not real particklar about color, so long as it's warm. A girl party sounds awful nice...there ain't many women to chat with hereabouts, ya know. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Lonesome EJ Date: 23 Jan 00 - 09:56 PM Did ye get a good look at that sailor-feller's face? He was quite ruddy with the ale, but I jedge the next time ye see him he'll be fetched up in a snowdrift with a face as white as the full moon. I hear'd of sailors what go aloft with their clothes encased in ice, and the icycles a-hanging from their hair, so I know they are a hardy breed. But that feller ain't never seen a hard Northern Blizzard in these parts. Somebody ought to go after the poor jake with a rope and haul him back before he gets lost. I have heard the damned Irish are Hard-headed... heard it from my old Grampa, who should have known, being a Scotch Irishman hisself. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,Mbo Date: 23 Jan 00 - 10:01 PM Now I'm gonna play ye one o' my favorite songs o' all time--in fact, it's why I left home and am here wi' you grand folks....but boy howdy what I'd do fer a honky-tonk pianer right now... I'd ride the desert sands And through the prairie lands Trying to do what's right The folks would come to me They'd say "We need you here" I'd stay for the night Oh, I wish I was (oh, oh, oh, oh) A wild west hero. Ride the range all the day Till the first fading light Be with my western girl Round the fire, oh so bright I'd be the Indians' friend Let them live to be free Riding in to the I wish I could be. --Matthew |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,_gargoyle Date: 23 Jan 00 - 10:02 PM In Max's cathedral....high on the steeple I sit in the rafters ....and lugg on "non-people"
Hand me a chaw.....I'll chew it up spitty... |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,_gargoyle Date: 23 Jan 00 - 10:04 PM Oh....damn....it is past...the opportunity's gone... I'll just sit in the rafters,,,,,she'll be back er' long. |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: GUEST,Mbo Date: 23 Jan 00 - 10:06 PM Now where's Little Shureshot Ellie Oakley when ye need 'er? --Matthew |
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Subject: RE: Mudcat Spiegel's Trading Post and Tavern From: Jeri Date: 23 Jan 00 - 10:23 PM And high on the building alone in his lair Sat the gargoyle with pigeon shit caked in his hair A feather got lodged up his nose and he sneezed And he showered tobacco juice over his knees One day he'll learn the motto that's given That the messes you make in this life, you must live in. Mbo, too easy a shot for Ellie, he just sits up there and don't never move. Flaps his gums a lot, but that just sorta makes a nice breeze... |
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