DECEMBER 22, 1861

Curtis watched as the folks left. He had fun calling and watching the people square dance. He felt a little sad and lonely now that they were all leaving. As he looked over towards the trees he thought he saw something move. He waited and watched, and finally, decided that it was just his imagination playing tricks on him. He headed up to the house leading his horse. Caller Bob was already there, because he had taken Tye and Tyrell to tuck them into bed.

Caller Bob had been the one who had instigated the Christmas Eve hoedown, and most of the Dreamville citizens had participated. It had been a good night. Curtis hadn’t confused the square dancers too much, and they all seemed to have had a good time.

As the new caller bounded up the stairs onto the porch, his mentor came out the door. “Has everybody left?” He watched as the last buggy disappeared down the road.

“Yes, that was the last of em’.” Curtis replied.

“Caller Bob can we talk for a few minutes?” The young man had something on his mind.

“Sure what’s on your mind? Do you want to talk out here or do you want to go inside.” He asked because it was a brisk December evening, and you could see your breath as you talked.

“Here, it will only take a minute.” He watched his mentor nod his head. “I’ve been thinking about leaving Dreamville so that I can find a town that could use a caller. I also want to go back to my uncles and run his traps this winter, so that I’ll have some money to settle down until I find a paying job in a town that needs a caller, but first I wanted to ask you if you thought I was ready?”

Caller Bob rubbed his chin and contemplated his friend’s question. “I think you are ready Curtis. Although I’m going to miss you, I think you know all of the calls, and that you’re doing very well as a caller. Just keep practicing and you’ll get better and better. I will, however, miss your company around here.”

“Thanks Caller Bob, but I don’t think this town needs two callers. I should go further West to a town that will appreciate having a caller in town. I just haven’t decided what other occupation in town I’ll be good at, but of course I’ll have to wait and see what job opportunities their our in the town I decide to stay in.”

“I’m sure you’ll do just fine. And you’ll write me and let me know where you are, won’t you?”

“Of course I’ll keep in touch. And maybe once I get settled, you can come for a visit.” The young caller would like for his mentor to come and see him.

“I think I could do that. I haven’t had a vacation in a long time. I could use one. And I think Tye and Tyrell would like to come, too.” Caller Bob said.

“That would be great. I’m going to leave the day after tomorrow.”

“I’m glad you’re sticking around for Christmas and Jimmy and Lee’s wedding.”

“Yes, speaking of that, I need to get back to the boarding house and wrap their wedding present. I’ll see ya tomorrow, Caller Bob.” Curtis stood and Caller Bob followed him, stopping at the top of the porch to watch his prot�g� leave.

“I’ll see ya tomorrow, Curtis. Oh by the way, what did you get the blessed couple?”

“I got them wind chimes to hang out their door. It’s supposed to bring good luck.”

“I’m sure they’ll like that.” Caller Bob waved goodbye to Curtis

“Goodbye, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Curtis called. As he rode down the trail, his horse was a little skittish. He heard a noise and stopped. He called out but no one answered. He started his horse on its way again, but he hadn’t gone too far when he heard more twigs snapping. He stopped and peered into the darkness. Could it just be a doe or buck that was walking around in the woods or was it somebody lurking about, maybe wanting to jump out and surprise him to steal his horse and his money cause he didn’t have an enemy in the world who would want to harm him. He called out again asking what they wanted and to show themselves, but no one appeared. He finally got tired of waiting and spurred his horse on.

The culprit was heard again and this time as Curtis stopped to listen and squint into the darkness wishing that it were a full moon so that he might see the perpetrator, the figure approached him. At first he was startled and then he was surprised. He swung down out of his saddle to greet his friend. His horse wasn’t scared anymore because he knew the animal’s scent and knew he was a friend. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be hibernating this time of year?” He asked as he ruffled Bart’s fur. “You must have followed me from my uncle’s. I bet you’re the one that scared Jacy that night she came here to square dance. You probably had followed me here, but you didn’t want any of the other folks to see you. Now what am I going to do with you until the day after tomorrow. You ol’ scalawag you, you’ve been here all this time, and I didn’t even know it. Come on I’ll find you a place to stay until I’m ready to leave here.”

So Curtis mounted his horse and trodded off with Bart following him. Curtis found Bart an old shack that he knew belonged to no one and had Bart stay there. The next night after all the celebrating was done, Curtis brought Bart some food. After his meal, Curtis took to his horse, and they all left Dreamville.