Saturday, March 3, 2012

SMOKE IN THE VALLEY - Segment 4 (Scroll down for earlier segments)



     Taking the matches, we tiptoed quietly back downstairs and outside, being careful not to disturb Mom and Grams in their canning.

     Once outside, we hurried back to our campsite in the bullpen, anxious to start our campfire; at least, I was anxious.  Some of the cows had strolled over to watch, probably hoping we’d invite them in for a sing-a-long.  I took out one of the matches and struck it, but without success.  I tried match number two, then three…four.  After exhausting a book of matches, I realized we’d gotten more heat banging two rocks together.

     Our dilemma called for aggressive action---a heart-stopping idea.  “I was just thinking…maybe we should use some hay.”  Lester wrinkled his face and started to get a bit fidgety.  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” he volunteered.

     “You’re right,” I said.  “We’ll just go to the barn.  There’s plenty of hay there; no use hauling it over here.”

     I sat on Lester for about fifteen minutes, until his nervous jitters subsided.  Then he followed me to the barn, still tugging a bit at my shoulder and almost dislocating it.

     Arriving at the barn, we found it full of hay, from top to bottom, and end to end.


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