Story Cafe

I was born just in time to hear stories from the old timers about the trail that runs through our neck of the woods. There's one particular story that was told and retold. Although there was a common denominater to every story, each was told differently to suit each's own knowledge of the facts. Usually each story could be backed up with some sort of evidence to prove his side of the theory. I say theory for a good reason. A massacre had taken place somewhere in the vicinity back in the year 1848. One theory goes, no survivors. One other theory, there is one survivor. And another story had said it was just a confrontation and everyone survived. And the definition here was written in prose to state that only a battle ensued the wagons and soldiers. All walked away unscathed. I feel a need to write down my memories of all the stories told by my former friends and farmers. There were a few characters involved t;hat brought the stories to life for me. First there was Winchester,who rode a mule he had raised from birth. Its name was Sophocles. Winchester was Captain in rank and file of the leadership to lead the train westward. Next was Arthur. Arthur was the cook of the outfit. His wagon was pulled by his dear friend, Constance. She was a fine mule. Then there was Virgil. Virgil was a Medical Doctor. He was accomponied by his own trustworthy mule, Ely! Then there was Matthew. Matthew was the veternary. Did all the shoeing and all that ails mules. Matthew was riding high on ol' Percy. Next came Fletcher. Fletcher was Foreman of the bunch. Kept everyone busy doing what needs to be done to keep the train rolling. Next were the Magnificent Seven. Riding up and down the trail on all sides of the train while it was moving. These men would ride out in every direction for miles at a time then report back to convay the safety concerns of the train. Looking out for signs of danger and or watering holes and places to set camp for the night. These statistics would be the heartbeat of the time and distance travelled. Under Fletcher these seven mens names were Anthony riding Hope. Oliver riding Henry. Basil riding King. Christopher riding Milton. Taylor riding Swift. And a set of Twin brothers. Reed riding Leo, and Oscar riding Tagger.