“…Threeeee Foorty and it oughta be Fifty! Three-fifty one last time, it’s what their worth!.” I paused and looked around.

“Three Forty going once, Thrrrreeeeee Forty gone now twwwiiiiice, Sooollld for thirty-four dollars a head to this feller right here.” I was pointing at Jeb and announcing the last lot of the livestock sales. It was a lot of 10 horses that I had purchased.

“Alrighty now folks, it’s break time then we’re moving on the slaves and other property. Please visit the cash desk folks and bidders for the next lots move to the front.” With that, I walked off the block and went to sit down.

I took the chair gratefully and sat down to gargle and loosen my ever tightening vocal chords, I would definitely pay for this. Brin showed up; doggy kisses, abusive tail, and ever faithful Brin. Now known as Brin the War Dog to many a person across the land, he was a legend in his own right. At that moment, I was exceedingly glad to see Brin. He infused new energy in me in some odd way that I cannot explain. Without a doubt, I felt refreshed almost immediately. We even played for a bit. I'm sure I stretched my muscles out, I felt even better afterwards. I needed a little cleaning up but it was worth it. I finished my break and went back onstage to wrap up the day, only this time Brin came with me.

Brin and I took a couple of laps around the auction block and I let him smell everything. There wasn’t much on this small wood platform but he smelled it. He even marked the log holding my megaphone, I simply shrugged to the crowd and earned chuckles. I finally heeled and sat him down next to me when I got back going.

“Wellllcome back everyone, it’s time to finish up for the day, so we can all get on to a well earned dinner. All bidders must finalize at the cash desk before supper tonight, so we need to finish before dinner. I’m hoping for a special meal and won’t be kept from it.” Even that brought a low laughter, I must be doing something right.

“I’d like to introduce my friend and protector Brin to y’all, say ‘Howdy’ to the folks Brin.” Well that was easy, with a very low voice I said ‘Greet’ to Brin and he barked twice to say hello. The crowd responded, “Howdy Brin”.

Poor Brin didn’t know what to do and his confusion was obvious. I just started to talk again and it seemed to calm him. “Well folks, Brin here is a War Dog and he’s saved my sorry hide more than once.”

We got general shouts of support for Brin from the crowd so I continued on, “I allowed myself to wander into a Lakota ambush and would have taken a lance in the back if Brin hadn’t taken a sudden desire to chew on that warrior's soft bits. He did got hold of that man and was shaking him back and forth by those bits.”

A quiet but overwhelming groan of realization went up from the men in the crowd as they realized what I meant. I pushed forward, “Needless to say, that poor soul will never try to lance someone in the back again!!” I finished with a triumphant flourish. The crowd responded with cheers for Brin, I hugged him and patted his side, reassuring him that he was a good dog and Brin seemed happy.

Back at the megaphone, I got right down to business.

“Well know folks we’ve got lots coming up and theeey’llllll stand next to me folks, listen up closely as this is the best property. First lot is number 1501 a cook!”

I took a step back, drank a half shot of bourbon and then started my chant while at the same time bidding surreptitiously via my crew down front. I realized that credit was still weak around here and very few people rose to challenge our bids. We took them all. Most wins were close to reserve, but we did end up paying a high premium for more than a few. Creepily enough, two or three guys kept bidding up the children. I marked those faces and decided to remember them well.

I was exhausted at the end and my wallet seemed to ache. I had just spent more than four thousand dollars before the boats or real estate I intended to purchase. The boats were the last lots and Captain Timmons bought two of the three, in the name of Rulo Trade & Transport and under credit issued by the still-in-formation ‘Rulo Territorial Bank and Trust.’ Naturally, as primary shareholder in that organization, I provided the cash for his purchases.

“Weeeelll now folks I thank you for coming BYyyye! You can stay for looooonggger but it’s time for me to eaaattt!”

“Thank you, folks,” I said in a normal voice. “I’ll be taking my dinner down at Byrne’s Tavern. Please feel free to stop and chat after I’ve had about an hour to relax.” With that, Brin and I were gone. I was tired and needed a rest. My crew was there as I came off. I asked Timmons to have the bank guy settle up for my purchases and, with that, I was off to Bryne’s for food and rest.

**** ****

I managed to send Amos and Brin to fetch the big guy as I was escorted up to Bryne’s, where I was deposited in their private dining room to rest and recover. Mrs. Bryne put their 13 year old daughter in charge of my care and she stood guard like a soldier, not allowing me to talk while feeding me broth and tea. She’d make someone an excellent doting wife, just so long as that someone wasn’t me.

Amos brought the big guy in and I bade him sit down across from me at the table. I handed him the menu and told him to order and asked Amos to make sure all of our crew were eating also. I hated to run Amos around at dinner time but I needed to look to the care of those dependent on me.

The big guy was looking at the menu, really just a small piece of paper looking confused so I ordered for him. Just meat, potatoes, eggs and milk, but I was worried about giving these underfed people too much food right away.

After an hour had passed, much of it with just the two of us sitting and eating, it was time for a conversation.