The Rocking Chair Gang

Old friends come to town to help their old buddy, Walt Spencer.

Walt Spencer is not a young man by a long shot, but that does not mean he is ready to be put out to pasture. When he stepped down in Hickory Corners, no fanfare awaited him, just a dusty, wind-swept street. People passed him by without a glance whatsoever, except to notice he was a new face in town, and then they went on their way without a backward glance.

Being over sixty years old, Walt did not move around as easily as he once did, though he could still move when he needed to. He wiped out his hatband before placing it back on his head. Looking up and down the street, it looked like every other town he'd been in since he left home in Indiana. Usually, the Livery was located at the end of the main street on either side of town; however, this town it was smack dab in the middle of town. Seemed strange to him, but who was he to place it other than where it is needed the most?

As he put his horse up, the man working there asked if he was in town for business or pleasure. He responded that he had not decided yet, and time would tell. The man whose name is Gabe Crane acted like he had not talked with anyone in a long, long time, let alone someone around his own age, give or take a few years.

"What's your handle, Stranger? If you don't mind me asking?"

"I go by the name of Walt Spencer now," I replied.

"I guess that is good enough as any other. I've known many men over the years who changed their handle for one reason or another. Hell, my own name I was born under is different than the one I use nowadays. Changing mine was over a woman; she was married, and I was a damned, young fool. Can't say as if I have changed all that much since that time either. Enough about me. Will you be in town long? Not that it matters much to me." He turned his head to spit out the chaw that had been puffing out his cheek.

"Where do you recommend a feller could get a decent meal to eat at a reasonable price?"

"I suppose Ma Smolley's is as good as any. I eat there most every day and it has not killed me yet. " Gabe said, patting his gut hanging a little over his belt. "Want some company? Why, it's been only five hours since I last ate something."

Chuckling, Walt asked," Which direction?"

"That way." Gabe pointed to their left, and he started walking. His bowed legs made good time. It did not take more than five minutes to reach Ma Smolley's.

It is bigger than Walt thought it would be, and the place was hopping with business. At the door, they both paused to dust themselves off as best they could. Satisfied with their expectations, they went inside. A few glanced their way, though most of them just continued to eat. A couple even said Howdy to Gabe, and he returned the greeting. Making their way towards the back to a couple of empty seats, they had to weave through the tables.

As soon as they had seated themselves, a waiter came over to take their order. "I assume you will be ordering your usual meal, Gabe."

"Yes, Sir!" He spoke, showing he had some manners.

"And you, Sir?" He turned to Walt.

"Double portion of Stew with a half a loaf of bread, and plenty of coffee to wash it down with."