by Ron Foster
About 5 months later, Dixon said that he saw Farley in Barnett’s and whispered to him that he had news about his truck and driver. When Farley had asked him excitedly what did he hear exactly, Dixon just said he raised one eyebrow and told him he heard that boy gave up his guitar for a harp.
Brock stared at Dixon for a few seconds pondering that boy’s alleged demise from the reference to an angel’s harp and who might of done it and since Dixon wasn’t offering that info he thought it best not to be asking about it any further. Brock said he guessed the man got what he deserved and left it that way without further speculation before noting to Dixon that on the bright side Farley seemed to have recovered from his losses ok over the last 4 years. A catastrophic trade goods loss like that was not something you could ever replace or for that matter eventually get over easily, maybe that was why Farley was the way he was? Brock dumped the last of his coffee and the grounds and then went back to bustling around the camp making sure all the chores got done.
5
SHINE FOR ME DARLIN’
“Hobe you need to hurry up some with your loading if you want to make it to the landing and say good bye to everyone.” Otto said watching his neighbor fooling around in the contents of some of the boxes he had stacked up to take down to his sailboat for something.
“Thanks for checking up on me but I don’t think I will be going down there. I ain’t feeling real sociable about goodbyes today. I got a lot on my mind today and besides I am going to try to catch up with Boudreaux at the trading post if he hasn’t left yet.” Hobe said closing up the box he had been going through.
“Oh he is at the landing also, he just sailed up about 20 minutes ago. Do you want me to tell him you want to talk to him?” Otto asked.
“No, I kind of wanted to talk to him away from everybody. Ah hell guess I am going to the landing anyway. I ain’t got but this little bit more here to load up and then I will be on over. Don’t say nothing to him yet unless he looks like he is leaving, ok?” Hobe said starting to load his stuff on a portable hand truck to drag his stuff down to the pier.
“I will tell him if I see him thinking about leaving. You got problems with him about something?” Otto asked concerned.
“Oh nothing like that at all, I just wanted to talk about what it would take to pay off my boat or get myself a leave of absence payment extension. I was going to talk to you this evening when you got back from the landing but I guess now is as good of time as any. I was real careful not to charge much on credit at the company store this winter and paid my ticket off this morning. After the trade rendezvous is over, I want to take off on my own for a bit and do some exploring. I already told David if anybody needed to stay in my cabin a month or two it would be all right. Don’t really know how long I will be gone, I want to see if I can sail down river to Mobile and from there I think I will go poke around Florida for a bit and see what’s happening down that way.” Hobe said with a slight smile.
“Wow! That’s kind of short notice you’re giving me, is this something you just decided all the sudden?” Otto questioned trying to read the other man’s emotions and mindset.
“No, I have been thinking it over off and on throughout winter. Might say I just got a bit of spring fever now but I decided it was time for a break and to go on a little adventure. I say that if everything works out like I hope it will, then I will pick up a little extra change for my pockets and some extra supplies and be on my way when the last tent is struck at Rendezvous.’ Hobe said and accepted Otto’s help to drag his gear down to the little pier where his 22 ft fishing sailboat resided.
“Man, I am going to sorely miss having you around here: won’t seem quite the same around here at all without you to play with or aggravate. What in the world are you going to do in Florida?” Otto asked looking forward to putting the heavy box down he was carrying that felt like it might have an extra boat anchor in it for all he knew.
“I am going to miss you too, buddy, I would say that I would write to you but I don’t think David’s mail service goes down that far. Ha! That’s an Idea to consider! I think I will have me a little talk with David before I take off for the coast. Worse comes to worse, maybe I can be my own postmaster down there. Now that’s an idea of merit to consider. Thanks for giving me the great inspiration, my friend.” Hobe said now smiling freely instead of the put on strained smile he wore earlier.
“I must say that this news comes as a hell of a big surprise, wait until I tell Ava. Hey if you ever want to come back around here you better make sure you say your goodbyes to her, she would be very hurt if you didn’t.” Otto said sobering.
“Oh I will, like I said I was going to tell you all about my trip anyway tonight. A lot is going to depend on what Boudreaux says about the payoff or loan extension on this boat. I don’t expect no problem with him he has always been fair with me but by rights he does depend on me to help do a lot of things and this split in our business association ain’t going to go down well.” Hobe said loading boxes off the pier and onto his boat.
“He is going to bust a stitch if you don’t word why exactly you are thinking of doing it just right.” Otto said thinking about the fiery Cajuns temper that could blow hot or cold depending on how he interpreted something for the moment. His flare ups never lasted long and he didn’t hold any grudges but he was a sight to see if he had the ass with you or somebody else. You usually saw the storm coming because he was like a Louisiana Ricky Ricardo from the old I love Lucy shows but instead of speaking broken Spanish and English gibberish when he was mad for a censored show you got the blue streak French and cussing southern dock worker version of it along with the animated hand gestures you hoped didn’t get too close to striking you.
“Ah he will understand just as long as he doesn’t take anything personal. Actually I think I am going to miss him most of all around here, kind of gives the place flavor if you know what I mean.” Hobe said with a guffaw.
Hobe and Boudreaux’s arguments were sometimes legendary around here. Why you could probably sell ring side seats to a good little pissing contest between them and learn a few new words and expressions but generally speaking it was Boudreaux that started and ended the wars of words and unfulfilled threats in a cyclone. Boudreaux liked things on time like a clock watcher and Hobe liked things done with extra hours and minutes added on that nobody else but him understood to be reasonable. Boudreaux had a gazillion sayings about Hobe’s perpetual tardiness that sounded pretty cool with that accent of his like “That boy he be late to his own funeral.” And Hobe reminded him that wasn’t always true because he planned on being the first one to attend Boudreaux’s funeral and throw the first shovel full of dirt on his coffin. Their bickering and badgering at each other was legendary and it was just something you had to get used to. David said the two of them ought to get married because they would have a license to fight then and that they sounded like an old married couple. That might have been it, they were so familiar with each other that one would be getting mad at the other about something happening or about to happen a stranger couldn’t see but they got along great in their own gruff ways and were inseparable and not needing any advice but their own.
“ Yea you probably right Hobe, that old swamper is probably going to miss you as bad as he does that old biscuit eating fiddle dancing dog of his “Bear” Ha! I never thought about that before, that old dog would wait till he got drunk and steal his fiddle and you are just as bad about pulling a prank on him too sometimes when you can catch him not looking. I can hear him now, instead of saying Bear he going to be hollering “AIEEEEE! I miss my Hobe dog! Bring Pa Pa back his fiddle Hobe!” Otto said breaking into his fake Cajun accent interpretation of Boudreaux and patting Hobe on the back with a belly laugh.
“Now that foolishness I ain’t going to miss!’ Hobe said grinning sheepishly at the funny comparison.
“Ah hell, here comes Ava, you want me to break the news to her or do you want to?” Otto asked raising one eyebrow.
> “Dang! It’s too early to talk to her yet. Hell Otto, I started this fire I might as well be the one to put it out. You hush for a minute, Otto, and give me a minute to say a few words!” Hobe whispered before hollering out to Ava ‘hello’ like nothing was wrong.
“What are you boys doing down here? Otto, I thought you were ready to go to the landing and see the fleet off?” Ava said all smiles but definitely looking frustrated that she had to track her man down to get the show on the road.
“I’m sorry Ava, I saw Hobe still packing up to get his sailboat under weigh and we got to talking. You got your picnic basket all loaded up and a blanket for us to do a spread on?” Otto asked innocently.
“That was done before you even slipped out the door going to Hobe’s and said you would be back in a minute. Are we still taking the golf cart or are you thinking of sailing over with Hobe now?” Ava said putting Otto on the spot.
“Well I uh, I was just getting ready to come find you. Hobe said he was running late and had some things to do before he met us over there, ain’t that right, Hobe?” Otto said shifting the uncomfortable attention from himself.
“Yea that’s right; hey if you want to as soon as I secure this gear you can come sail with me to the landing.” Hobe began before Ava cut him off.
“I just soon ride the cart, that way we can come and go when we want to and won’t be waiting on a ride from anyone. I don’t like walking back that far in the dark.” Ava said studying Otto for confirmation of her decision.
“Oh he’s coming back tonight I think.” Otto said before mentally kicking himself he was letting the cat out of the bag about Hobe’s intentions.
“You are not going to sail with the fleet at sundown, Hobe? Why’s that? I thought you told me the other day you were hoping to pick up some passenger fares at the trading post to carry folks to the rendezvous.” Ava said looking at him intently and glancing at Otto.
“Well I was but I decided it was too complicated to do seeing that I could only offer one way tickets. You see I won’t be back for awhile, Ava.” Hobe said letting his final words sink in.
“How long do you plan on staying, Hobe? Some folks won’t mind staying a bit over past Rendezvous. Why I heard tell a few folks were thinking of setting up permanent camp over there and starting a new town. Instead of twice a year rendezvous, people can come up and down river whenever they want to get supplies and such. David has been asking around if anybody might want to think about setting up housekeeping over there permanent like and being what he calls a viceroy of the Hudson Bay like trade group he is always trying to instigate. Talk to him some and if he found any takers I bet that would work out ideal for you.” Ava said smiling and patting him on the arm like she just motherly solved all of his problems.
Otto rolled his eyes at her statement and the situation and Ava caught Hobe looking at him and wincing. “Otto? What’s the matter? What’s going on? Hobe what is it you ain’t telling me I need to know? Spill it, boy! Tell me what it is that you are thinking about and why Otto looks like he’s holding his breath!” Ava said studying him worriedly.
“Well it’s like this Ava and I hate to spring the news on you like this but I ain’t coming back for awhile. Now don’t worry about me, everything is fine it’s just that I decided at this point in my life I needed to go explore some other possibilities. I just told Otto so don’t be mad at him none, I was waiting until I talked to Boudreaux about my boat bill before I told you all about it tonight after the big fleet send off.” Hobe said wondering if he had any aces up his sleeve or some other way to diffuse this situation before dropping another bombshell on his intents and dreams of leaving the lake.
Every year whoever was going by boat to the Rendezvous from this end of the lake assembled at the formerly state owned recreation area and boat ramp called the Landing for a cook out and sort of a party to say farewell and wish the voyagers a safe journey. Just as soon as it was dark enough to see the departing boat parade lights all a twinkle everyone assembled on the shore to watch the departing boats or anchor off shore to light their own festive send off and add to the spectacle of lights sailing off into the sunset towards Boudreaux’s trading post and bar 20 miles away. The chaplain of the group even made a show out of the blessing of the fleet.
“Oh Hobe! We are sure going to miss you!” Ava said throwing her arms around a surprised Hobe and pulling him down to her level almost tripping him up as her tears began to wet his shirt.
“Now Ava, it ain`t as bad as all that, I will see you again real soon probably close to next spring or early winter at Rendevous.” Hobe said before Otto started getting choked up too in the emotion of the moment and joined in a group hug.
“Come on now you two stop your squishing me and about to make me cry also. It’s not as bad as all that and I got things to tend to; come on let me loose now.” Hobe said trying to come up for air.
“Well Otto, seeing that he is leaving I want to sail over with him. Wait a minute you ain’t decorated your boat!” Ava said hands on hips looking askance playfully at Hobe.
“Well I hadn’t planned on going to the trouble to participate this year to be honest with you.” Hobe began before Ava said she wouldn’t hear of such a thing as an undecorated boat going to the fleet send off and if they hurried they could still make the celebration, decorated boat and all.
“Now just hang on Ava, got a question to ask the man. Hobe you got enough juice in your batteries to waste on such frivolous female Foo Foo decorations?” Otto said before a possibly or otherwise playful jab to the ribs by Ava painfully told him to hush and that she was going to catch Gauge and Esmeralda before they took off in order for them to help her decorate Hobe’s boat and that when it came to Otto and Hobe there were no if’s, and’s or but’s about it and they needed to comply or face further berating from her to even think of not doing such time honored preparations, just be still or fly right and took off high stepping towards their cabin before either man could object much.
“You going to get that boat decorated like it or not boy!” Otto exclaimed laughing and enjoying Hobe’s discomfort.
“Won’t be the first time I had the good sense to let a lady have her way. Yea, it appears that I am out numbered but back to the battery issue Otto, there are some worries there. I maybe got enough power if I switch the cabin lights off to run maybe a small strand of Christmas lights or two off the main mast and wrap some around a hawser or guy line or something but that’s it.” Hobe objected thinking his batteries would be dead come morning or before the regatta even took off if they over did it making him look like a harvest moon or a neon piñata was not on his schedule today.
“Ah man you are still being an old spoil sport! Let the ladies have their fun man and you will surely live longer! Grab yourself a drink buddy and try to wear a smile. Just think to yourself to get you the patience of a heron fishing the shallows by the shore and try not to break that leg you will be standing on observing it all and nod your approval when asked, ain’t hard to do.. Tell you what, you just keep your head down and stay out the way and make yourself as scarce as you can while getting your boat ready and ship shape to get under way. We got this handled and as a word of advice to you let the ladies decorate to their lovely heart’s content until it’s time to for us to holler time to leave or they will make you holler uncle and go with their own way of thinking anyway and it will be your fault that everyone’s miserable that the aren’t having a good time when it’s all said and done and the smoke clears. Ha! You old bachelor you just don’t know about married life or schmoozing with the ladies to make the world happy and stay in good graces. Me and good Old Gauge we got more experience and hard won patience than you will ever have in the fine art of placating women and keeping the peace for whatever reasons. No worries my friend, stay calm, we will see to it and I positively guarantee you, word of honor, that your battery won’t get drained to nothingness tonight and your nerves won’t get further fried or frazzled because of letting them have fre
e rein, ok?” Otto said reminding Hobe that Gauge was one of their number one people at the lake who knew the magic of getting the most out of a 12v electrical system as well as jokingly tell him they both knew how women were wired better than he did.
You would think that lights wouldn’t be shining all over the lake on this special night but the knowledge to hook a marine battery to some lights wasn’t rocket science and various ways to replenish the batteries was something Gauge was known to have a fascination for as well as experiment regularly with. Nobody was quite sure where the man got his name at, it was either from being able to eye electrical wire and tell you what gauge it was or it was from his ammunition reloading efforts using melted down tire wheel weights in place of modern cast bullets they couldn’t get.
