|
But the main reason was, Jasper just didn't look forward to the
digging the way he used to, when that vein was just out of reach and
maybe he'd find it the next morning. But he'd found enough, over the
years. Enough. Today his gold comes in the breaking of dawn, the
mystic magic of a rainbow and the gold-slabbed, blood-red clouds of
a sunset. His treasure is increased by watching the peaceful sleep
of Arthur, his mixed-blood dog partner. Arthur came in from the
diggin's, too, hit the kibble in his dish for two quick bites,
slurped down some water and hopped up on the cabin's single bunk,
where he happily collapsed.
It was then that Jasper heard the voices outside. It was a young
man and woman, faces flushed with the heat of the day. They seemed
surprised to find a cabin so far out in the mountains.
"Mister," said the man when he saw Jasper, "can you tell us where
we are?"
Jasper chuckled. "Looks like you two could use something cold to
drink. Come on in."
Their summer hike had taken a wrong turn somewhere, and they had
ended up at Jasper's rather than back at their car.
[to top of second
column]
 |
"We'll have a little lunch," Jasper said, "and then I'll walk you
back to your car. It really isn't far, you know."
The couple relaxed then and began to enjoy Jasper's hospitality.
They had to sit on the bunk, which made Arthur move down a bit, but
he didn't seem to mind.
"I guess you must get Social Security, to live out here," said
the husband.
"Well, not the kind you're thinking of," Jasper said, "because
I've been working for myself since I was about 18."
"Can't you apply for it?"
Jasper thought a minute. "Let's say I was to show up at your
house on a winter's night. Would you give me a meal and let me sleep
on your couch?"
"Of course we would!" said the young woman.
"Well," said Jasper, "that's what I'd call social security."
[Text from file received from Slim Randles]
Brought to you by "Sun Dog Days," available
at
www.unmpress.com.
|
