The Book of Common

Mud

Theys mud every where! Thick sticky deep mud! Folks never seen, the likes of this. Lan sakes man could sink ta his knees in this! Near the Missasip River, east of Saint Louis. Can see what's left of that Arch thing. Done nothin but rain for three days. River way up, gots ta cross. Headed ta Saint Louis.

Bridge is still standin just, Folks don't trust it. Debris is piled up under it. River is movin fast! Don't think it a hold. Common ain't always a fool. Feller said bridge up north about a day. It maybe safe. Figures this, may not be rainin up north a day.
Least get out a this darn mud and rain. I go north skirtin the river. Brown water goin anything that could float is goin with it.

Folks it has rained so much. I am soaked to my wrinkly skin! Nothin is dry, been afraid ta open my
bags with my clothes in it. Waterproof ya know, more like water proof ifin ya don'ts see rain for three days. Horse is even pissed. Gruntin and makin funny noises. Only seen that one feller back at the bridge. People moved ta higher ground.

The rain keeps up, that bridge be gone in a day. If not sooner. I wants a dry night, need a fire. Dry out some, if I can get one started wet as everythin is. Folks I need a home an Inn ta get dry in. Have a meal, no rain drippin off my hat or runnin down my face. Dry these guns off, oil them. Dry clothes!

No Station this side of the river, least not more than three days east or north. I see lamps off in the distance. Rain has turned ta a mist and fog. Those lamps have a strange glow ta them. Place comes inta view, big porch covered out front. Double doors red, green trim around them. Sign says, Gates Inn, full up. Check the loft in the barn maybe open. I ties the horse off, might over muddy folks. So I walk around the back ta check.

Yell inside the kitchen, hello, Ranger Common! Back at ya was the response. Ranger you are a might muddy. I laugh just a touch Mister, who might you be? Gates own the place, stay on the porch. Pull those muddy boots and clothes off. I'll get ya blanket and cup of coffee and a whisky. Warm ya up some. I say thank ya much sir.

Bring my guns ta dry out some. He says hang them by the fire. Have a seat Ranger. He says I am full up, even the loft is full. Rains has brought the business up. I asks can I sleep on the porch here in back. I'll pay, one straight copper. Ya ain't sleepin on the porch, that hammock sleep on it free. Inside out the rain. Have it no other way, be dry leave those dirty things on the porch. Wife tend ta those in the mornin.

I'll bring ya horse around back. Get some dry cloths if they is dry, if not think I may have least pair a pants that a fit. Stable the horse for ya too.
Folks are just headin up ta rooms now. I'll send the wife back get ya some food. Thank ya, sir, this won't be forgotten.

The Mrs. strolls in, smile so big like sun shine. Says Common right I'm Molly, pleased ta meet you. I say more so than you, I am a might wet and hungry.
She laughs says, can see that. Bill gettin your horse now, wants some beans and ham, few fried taters?
Please I says. Get ya some here in a minute, finish up this set of dishes here be done for the night.

No rush mam none at all, just startin ta feel dry and warm. She says more coffee on the stove help yourself. I pours a cup, sits back down. Nice of ya let sleep here in the kitchen. Bills brother is a Ranger, we make sure you all are taken care of. Don't care if we have ta go out of the way to do it.
Get those clothes after breakfast. Bill comes in bags on the porch. Check see if they are dry. I walks out low and behold theys dry! Folks that seal flap kept them dry!

Dry clothes on boots placed by the fireplace. Bill says Molly he looks dry and happy. Placein that bowl of beans and ham on the table, then mess of taters. I mean a full plate. Molly grabbed a crocker off a shelf, pickled eggs, want one? Love them with beans. Yes um loves those thins anytime. They sat with me, talked a spell. Told me they would be down about four to get ready for breakfast.

Well folks I am dry filled up and tired. Bill he stoked the fire. Said night Ranger, good sleep.
I say you too sir. Guess was about four or so.
Molly was getting the fire back up. Had flour out makin biscuits. Bill he was a cuttin bacon. I says mornin you two, smell coffee can I pour some?

Molly nods, help yourself. I steps outside, just see the fog glowin in the east. Sun just burning the mornin fog off. I smile looks like rain might be done. Head back in wipe and oil my pistols. Molly had my clothes washed and hung out ta dry. Had a light breakfast. Thanked them and headed north ta the bridge.

Folks that bridge had seen better days. Floods took its toll on her. Looked more solid than the one at Saint Louis way. Well, took my chances bridge didn't creek nor flex a lot. Made it across, heard tell it fell later that day. Don't know just heard it.

Lan sakes still muddy as all get out, least the rain stopped. Saint Louis, with its oddity on the river.
More next time folks. I know might short. Sorry got said what needed said.