The Book of Common

Time

I woke to the sun about midday. Time I shouted
darn clock must be broke. I know I turned the key!
Lan sakes wanted to be up and movin! Got ta get
over to Gettysburg, meeting up with Danna.
Daughter of the man Ma worked for. Pleasant
girl, always was friendly least to me and Ma.
Her parents well they were different, I was not allowed in the main house, only the kitchen cellar
and attic course we lived in the attic.

She had left word at three different Stations and a Post. Where she lived and wanted to see me about
month ago. Least that's when I found out month
later. Time Folks time seems like it turns against
ya sometimes and works for ya other. I jumps up
been riding almost non stop for a day. Finally
caught up to me. Folks I'll tell that day ago, also
gots some disturbing news. Young Ranger just out
on his own. Was beat to death, only because he
looked at a girl. Lan sakes what in Sam white hell!
Did a Ranger get beat for that.

The disturbing part, seems she was the daughter
of a big wig in town. He took on himself because
he said his daughter was a far cry better than any
Ranger. Then said only wanted to scare him! I was
plum mad about it. Ya see they sent me after him.
Well I'll be honest I about beat him to death before.
I brought punishment down on his scrawny ass.
My ruling was death by dragging, I ties him up
drug him for two hours around town.

So those that let this happen could see, I might just
bring judgement down on all of them! Well I didn't
my rage got under control. On track Common sorry folks, just I got that at the same time.
Danna well still make it before dark lives in town.
Should have some oil lamps big size town. Least
see the roads and house numbers.

The ride was normal got into Gettysburg about
close to evening meal, supper my favorite meal.
The one meant to tide ya over till morning.
I finds the house the number is right street is
right. I am thinking somethin is wrong, ya see
the house is to plain for her. They gots more than
most people will ever have even if they lives past
sixty. I knock on the door, door opens Common
I hear, why its Miss Sandy Danna's friend.

Miss Sandy how are you? She says Common I was
hoping it was you. Come in Danna is in the dinning
room. Plenty to eat would you like a plate?
Why yes if its no bother I would. No bother follow
me. My that's when I seen her Danna, lan sakes
she looked good. Well I tell ya gots all warm.
Wow can't figure out why I didn't see that before.
I says Danna pleasure to see you again.

Common she says you have grown to such a fine
man. Bet you have plenty of lady friends.
I says no not really none that I can think of. 
Cut to the chase I was thinkin, so Danna why
the message, after chewing some roast beef.

Common I wanted to wait till you ate, guess no
harm tellin now. My Father has well he threw
your Mom out for a younger lady. Common
it is common knowledge that your mother and
my father are your parents. This new one is about
my age little younger.

Where is she livin? I should beat him! I'm sorry
Danna not your fault, you've always been kind.
Figured that's why we got a place to live, Ma isn't
as pretty as she was. Where is she? Why that girl
is about eighteen if that!

Common I brought her here far away from my
father I've stayed here till her last breath. I'm
so sorry she was so sweet and kind. I adored her
more so than my family. I waited long as I could
before I placed her in the ground. She wanted so
to see you. She left a note. Sandy took over, she
was proud of you Common. She held on long as she could, she wanted so to see you.

I know you have lost your appetite but, please try
and finish eating. Folks I couldn't cry nor did I
feel like it. A rage set in that I new I couldn't control. Miss Sandy I said my personal bag I've
got some Corn Licker. Could you please get it?
Danna held my hand, she looked more hurt than
I felt. I had this hate no not hate more than hate!
I was ready to rip his head off Folks! Her Father
my real father, whom I've hated sense I could
think! Kept tellin myself Common calm down.
You'll end up hangin from a tree ya don't!

Miss Sandy brought the Licker and a glass. Well
Folks I don't drink straight from the bottle, I did
that evening and into the night. Licker is meant
to be enjoyed not tossed back like a true tankard
does. Danna and Miss Sandy sat with me till I
staggered up asked for the privy. They helped me outside. Did my business, helped me back in and
into a bed.

Folks I woke two both of them asleep heads restin
on the bed sittin next to it. Lan sakes I felt parched
dry mouth felt like I hadn't had water in a week.
Wet with sweat the blame sheets were wet.
I sat up like I'd been bit or somethin. Danna shot up Common you ok? Had us worried. I says I need
water bad, Danna I said anythin done or said. I am sorry. I needs the privy!

She said out the back door. When I came back in,
Danna handed me a letter with York Post Gettysburg seal. She said read this, then I'll give
your mothers note she left. Miss Sandy handed me a coffee. I sat down at the table, opened it Post
Commander no less. Robert Grant, fine man met
him once when he had York Station one in Sodus Point. It said I know for a fact its in front of me.
I'll write it word for word.

Ranger Common Howard rank corporal.

Its been brought to my attention, that a certain
crime was left solely to the York city Constable to
investigate. Not signed off by a Ranger of Non Commissioned rank or above. Death of a Mrs White.
Anna White York city. The accused a Mister Nathan
White. Found no guilt on his part. Seems the Post
Commander York City didn't feel the need to investigate. Common I wouldn't think of doing
this over another Commander but, its the accused
Daughter that wants the investigation.

I'm ordering you to go soon as possible after recovering from your loss. To investigate this,
no others should know. Not even the Post Commander. 

Then it was signed by him. Well I looked at Danna
then Sandy you two think he killed her?
Sandy nodded I know it plain as day. Danna she
cried I know he was heartless when she died almost happy. Mom had the the wealth he married
it. He got it all, I got enough to live good don't
need more. Don't think its because he stayed rich.

I told her thought never crossed my mind, it didn't
Folks not her nor Sandy could harm any person.
I said I'd like to visit Mommas grave and read the note after. Leave for York in two days.

We walked to the cemetery was only few yards away. I cried like a child, my it hurt hadn't seen
her in least two years. Didn't ask still don't know
what got her, took her away don't want ta know.
Momma Ma will always be alive long as I live.
She stays in my heart and mind always.

I told Danna I was sorry that her mom died and
all, if it was murder the one that did it will pay.
I'd see ta it personal like. Mammas note well Folks
lets say that was personal. One part though she
thought he done it. Somethin about Anna being sick all the time. Least two weeks then feeling better. Then sick again in about a week.

That sounds like poisonin to me, learning how ta
kill over a period of time. Make someone look
sick. So folks I'll finish here gettin long winded.
Next time we finish.