The Book of Common

Still Walkin

Wadestownt, Folks none had horse they could spare. I could have just took it on a writ. They would have got a horse or the trinkets later.
Can't see doin that ta poor folk. So I started walkin again, Ranger Station just opened about days walk away. So heads out, next day about noon. Just afters I hung, Portly dude. Still amazed first time ever, I ain't ripped a head off.

Least it was downhill most of the ways. About dark I stops, I know only maybe two-three miles from that Station. Can't see folks trees are thick dark as all get out. Figures best stop, better than breakin a leg or my dang neck. Supper well few pickled eggs a piece of pie apple, Bev gave me.
Fine meal, Folks any meal is a fine meal. Ifin ya hungry and have nothin else. Always tomorrow as Momma would say.

Thinkin of Momma brings a smile, how she would always take less. So I could have more, Common she would say, least ya got food and a bed. Tomorrow be better, just wait you'll see. Mrs. White always sneak least a small pastry up ta us or some bread. Right before bedtime, that lady was sweet and cared for me and Momma. Even knowin what Momma and myself was. Ya know, folks a bastard child and momma its mother.

Folks sense we a talkin about Momma, let's talk about what that Fool White did! Hates the man!
Glad he is gone! Never gets ta think happy thoughts long about momma. With out his deeds comin ta mind, ruenin it! That fool never done those thins with me gone ta school or doin chores.
No had ta lock me in my room, so I could hear his so called fun!

Momma be in pain for days. Blood spots on clothes for least two days. Only heard her yell or scream maybe two times out of his monthly visits. Folks she had rope burns on her wrists and ankles. Small cuts and scratches covered her body. I know he had ta of hit her, could here that leather strap he had hitting her. Folks my young mind planned his death, down ta how long it would take.

Pa tried ta get her ta leave, several times. I know he wanted the man dead. Could see it, when ever old White show his face. Pa had a lot of restraint tellin ya he did. My thinkin is Momma stayed just ta make White angry, ta keep takin care of me and her. The visits stopped for a couple months, Pa had few words with him. Then they started again.

Heard Pa and Momma talkin one night, I think he may have branded her. Least ways that what got out a it. Pa was, real mad type that ya see red! Don't know what was said ta White, but stayed away two months. Visits after weren't near as long.
Momma didn't look like she had much pain after.
Could be she was actin like it didn't hurt.

Momma don't know I planned and such, if only I was older. That fool been dead long ago. Folks my Momma was a good brave lady. Pa tried his best ta help her. If Momma would just said Chester  bring the Law on him. Why White would be broke beat near death. Momma would have got it all his Trinkets house, all that was his. Old White would be livin like the poor Folks. Momma didn't think she was thinkin about Mrs. White and my sister.

Fell asleep after rememberin that. Woke about daylight found that Station. Nice place like I said only couple miles more. Resupplied got new horse
had some breakfast. Headed out Patrol work, lan sake wish was take these ta some place. Well Folks that is bein a Ranger. Most die by themselves, horse kicked them fell off a horse. Snake bit bear or cougar get them. Never found again. Still a better life than most.

Well, I know rather short ain't it. Depressin too next time Folks. Ya know.