Fiction: Shopping, Western Style

Article by R. K. Wigal

Chance Munro and Brack rode double on Shiloh's back the ten miles into Barstow. The desert air was dry and unseasonably hot. They rode slowly, traveling on foot part of the way. The sun was high overhead when they reached the town's edge.

A boy of about twelve was standing under a shady elm, trying to twirl a lasso. "Hey there, young fella, can you tell me where the livery is? My horse could use a bite to eat!"

"Sure thing, Mister! Second street up, take a right! It'll be on your left!"

Chance thanked him, then said, "Listen. Don't hold the rope so tight. Let it twist between your fingers and it'll spin real nice."

The boy loosened his grip and was soon twirling the lariat with a near perfect loop. Ecstatic now, he beamed at Chance. "Gee, thanks Mister!"

Chance found the livery stable and boarded Shiloh for the day, the night and the next day. He told the proprietor he'd be back later to check on his horse.

Next, Chance and Brack went to the Assayer's office so Chance could trade-in some silver ingots for spendable coin. The assayer commented that the silver tested to be of very high grade. Chance thanked him and paid him his fee.

They then stopped at Mrs. Swensen's boarding house for lunch. Both men wolfed down her chicken and dumplings, and they couldn't get enough of her fresh, hot biscuits. Chance reserved a room for the night, paying in advance. He gave the woman a generous tip. Both men praised her cooking.

The general store was stocked with just about everything the traveler could desire: food, clothing, fire arms, and much more. "This is why we're here," Chance told Brack as he looked over the hats. He picked out a first-rate Confederate-gray Stetson, tried it on and looked in a mirror. "I like it!"

Brack Tried on a brown one, looked at his reflection and smiled. "Well, I daresay; for me, this is different." He paused a minute longer, admiring. "I'll take it," he exclaimed.

Chance hadn't given firearms a thought, but when he spotted the gun display, he motioned the proprietor over. There were rifles and pistols of every sort. "I want two of those Henry repeating rifles, and sheaths to go with 'em. And I want two of those colt revolvers, with holsters and gunbelts. And let me have two boxes of ammunition for each gun." His final purchase was two canteens.

Chance paid for everything. He handed Brack a gunbelt and six-shooter. "Put this on," he told Brack. Brack had a look of uncertainty on his face, but he strapped on the gunbelt and holstered the Colt. "I'll be back shortly. I need to check on Shiloh. Have the storekeeper store the rifles. We'll come back for them later." With that, he left for the livery stable.

Chance looked in on Shiloh who was happily munching oats. Satisfied, Chance paid the livery stable proprietor Shiloh's boarding fee. He made an additional arrangement, which he oversaw and also paid for. He then rejoined Brack at the general store.

"Now, how about we head for the saloon and do a little thirst quenching," Chance chirped, smiling.

"Thought you'd never ask," Brack responded cheerfully.

Little did they know that trouble was lurking just inside the saloon's swinging doors.