Earl Finds a Friend: A Western Story

Earl followed the tumbleweed into town. After being on the trails for three weeks, he was anxious to get back to a social zone, with fellow travelers, women, and maybe a drink or two at the local saloon. The trails were lonely and it had been a long journey. Since leaving Colorado Springs, the only people Earl had seen were a few horseback riders, near the falls at Creton Junction.


"Howdy ma'am", he said to a woman carrying a bucket of water from the town's well. She didn't answer back and Earl kept on riding. He saw the saloon on the other side of the street and ambled on over to tie up his horse, Chessie. Upon walking up the boardwalk, he heard piano music coming from the bar, and he heard some talking and laughter. Earl passed through the newly painted swinging doors and sauntered on up to the bar.


"What'll it be stranger?" asked the bartender as Earl stepped between a few men. "Whiskey", said Earl without looking up. Earl got his shot, flipped the man a dime, and drank his shot, extending his glass for another one. "Where ya headed?" asked the barkeep. "Jakesville", said Earl, polishing off his second shot of whiskey. "My brother Andrew lives over the second ridge with his family. I haven't seen him in two years."
"You mean Andrew McCain fom Saint Louis?" asked the barkeep. "That's him", said Earl, "Andrew set out for California a few years back, and decided to settle right about these parts."
"I know of McCain very well", said the barkeep, "He stops into town every now and then to pick up supplies".


"I figure it's a day trip to his farm, so I'll be leaving in the morning. You have any rooms for the night?" asked Earl. The bartender said, "See that redhead over by the piano? Her name's Paisley and she'll set you up for the night."
"Thanks," answered Earl, "Much appreciated."


Earl walked over to the piano. Paisley was talking to two younger looking men wearing hats and side pistols. "Can I help you with something sir", she asked Earl, batting her long eyelashes and pouting her full, red, delicious lips.
"Yes you can", said Earl, "You certainly can!"