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Friday, November 16, 2012

MY WESTWARD TREK Chapter 10

Mama's Cooking
courtesy free clip art

Morgan was thrilled about being home, his mother's attention, her good cooking and his own bed.

His father asked questions more of a personal nature, and actually seemed disappointed that Morgan hadn't been a little more on the wild side.  His mother was satisfied asking if he met any nice girls to which he answered not really, not anyone I would like to bring home to you.  His mom was both pleased, and concerned by his answer.

After a few days of peace and quiet Morgan began to get restless for he was used to some sort of continual action.  In his mind he retraced his entire voyage experience from start to finish.  The men he had met and their different characteristics, the Captain in particular.  The women were all unpredictable as they were a puzzle to him.

From one day to the next they could be different. This was very noticeable because of having to be of service to them, and the length of the journey.

He was glad to see the last of some of them.  During the voyage Morgan encountered almost no children and his dealings were with adults with contrasting natures which provoked the question; “How can people be so different?” 

As the days went by Morgan's restlessness became too much, and he made plans to visit the west again only this time he would travel by land.

He packed only the things he felt necessary, said goodbye to his parents and headed for St. Louis.  Upon arriving outside of St. Louis he sought a wagon master who was putting together a wagon train.  
 
Morgan enquired if he could join him and asked what the requirements were.  He laid it out in simple terms, a horse, someone who would let him stow his goods in their wagon and food for the trip and of course the fee for coming along. There were several outfitters available and Morgan talked to all of them to make sure they didn't sell him things he wouldn't need.

His plans were to travel as light as possible and not carry stuff he couldn't use.  

Morgan went to a livery barn where many people kept their horses and inquired if there was some good stock available for sale.  He didn't know much about horses but he wanted a good blooded steed who was a fast runner.

The barn had several for sale but the price was very high.  Morgan had just about settled on one fine looking animal when a gruffy looking individual sidled up to him and said; “Don't buy that horse, in fact don't buy any of those.”  

When Morgan asked “Why,” because they looked like fine stock to him; the man answered, “These animals have been pampered all their life and have never known what it was like to cross the desert.  Besides they have never been run except a few miles at a time, and they would break down on the trip you are planning to take.”


Frisky Colt
courtesy Photobucket.com
While Morgan was thinking about what he said, the man spoke up again and said; “I have a horse that you should buy.”  A questioning look came across Morgan's face as the man started to explain. “This horse was born and raised out on the prairie; he has survived the harshest weather, and is still a young colt.  He can run all day with little rest and is almost broke.”

At that Morgan said; “What do you mean almost broke?” The man said; “I mean once you get on him, and ride him he settles down but he is a little frisky in the morning and forgets his manners.” The man whose name was Virgil said; “You don't want a horse that is docile, you need one who has some life in him.”

What he was saying made sense to Morgan but he asked; “Where did you get him?”  Virgil replied, “I traded some Indians out of him when he was just a young colt and finished raising him myself.”

Morgan still had many questions to ask Virgil for he seemed to know a lot about the trip he was going to take. One last question he had to ask was, “Why he would sell him for it was obvious he cared a lot for the horse.”

His answer to that was a sad story.   
 
To be Continued   

 

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