Chapter 6 of Trapper’s Christmas

 Chapter 6 of Trapper’s Christmas

Recap: the trapper was able to get a nice sized turkey to bring home for Christmas supper. As he was heading home he met up with his old friend “Crazy” Joe and invited him for dinner. They two have just returned to the cabin and the trapper has cleaned the turkey while Joe warmed himself by the fire.

Chapter 6

The trappers skill at cooking on a wood stove was unsurpassed by anyone. Ina short duration the turkey was done to the nines. To add to the feast he made stuffing with bread and some herbs he dried during the summer. In place of baked potatoes was a package of powdered potatoes with lots of butter. There were green beans and squash from his canning shelf and fresh biscuits. On his table he laid a white bed sheet for a table cloth and in the center, a handmade candle, lit as a beacon for the souls traveling the Christmas skies, and those that he misses so. His plates were pewter and his cups were tin. Dented as they were they made a fine setting for woodsmen and dog. As they sat down in the homemade chairs that Jim had skillfully made many years before, Joe said quietly, “As it is Christmas, maybe we should make a sayin’ or something.” “By god Joe, yer right,” Jim said agreeing,” I do believe I’ll say somethin’ to that affect!”

So as the men settled into the comfort of the warm cabin, Jim started to speak in a low but clear voice, “Today is a day of memories and of family. My only family I have left is right here at this table. You, Joe are like a brother to me and Beau there has been the greatest companion a man could ask for. However for memories I have many, good’uns and bad’uns, but they keep me goin’ when I done think I can. Now I have never been a man with many wants but I have to ask for one now. I would ask, perhaps, in the years I have left, that I not lose those memories or those friends I’ve gathered over the years.”

“Amen, my friend, amen,” Joe said with a tear in his eye, “I dare say that their may have been more elaborate speeches spoken on this day, but I don’t think any had as much meanin’ as that’un you just said here!”

Finale of chapter 7 tomorrow!!!