Finding it difficult to maintain the horses with so few watering holes, Clark agreed to trade for a horseless wagon. While no one at the nearby wagon hitch (the large plot of land with horseless wagons) would trade with us, one wagon owner directed us to a trading post not far away. So our band headed out.
When we arrived at another hitching post, we were quickly greeted by a finely dressed gentleman. Clark informed him we were eager to make a trade. The man, introducing himself as "Bob," was delighted. Sacagawea presented the man with several coyote pelts we had recently acquired. Bob found our attempt to trade amusing. However, he could not agree to trade for the pelts and our two horses. Jean Baptise offered a Disme. We had never paid more that this $0.10 for any wagon. Bob looked carefully at the coin, examining every part of it. He excused himself.
To occupy our time, we examined the horseless wagons. Sacagawea found one she insisted we acquire. We all gazed upon the "Cherokee" wagon. Sacagawea was adamant the Cherokee were a strong, brave nation and would do us well to travel in any wagon they had built. Clark was a bit tentative about the Cherokee's wagon as he had fought the Cherokee under the commission of General Arthur St. Clair. But, with his meeting of many peaceful nations across the North, and his friendship with Sacagawea, Clark agreed. Therefore, when Bob returned, we informed him this was the wagon for which we would trade.
Bob could not be happier. He told us he had "looked up on the internet" (we all politely smiled as if we knew his local tongue) the value of our coin. Bob agreed the Disme was a good trade, along with our wagon and horses. Sacagawea informed Bob that the Cherokee wagon would be our choice. The gentleman told us it was actually called a "Jeep Cherokee" and was the best of the compact SUV's available (another unusual word in which even Sacagawea could not find meaning). Bob asked us if we wished to take a "test drive." Clark eagerly jumped at the opportunity.
Our band clamored into the Jeep Cherokee. Sacagawea's son, Little Pomp, was most eager. He found the new wagon quite mystical. I believe we all felt that way, though dared not express it. Clark sat behind a wheel, much resembling a ship's wheel. With Bob beside him, Clark turned the wheel to no avail. I asked Bob if we needed a sail, perhaps? Bob was a bit uncomfortable, concerned Clark did not know how to man a wagon. But once Bob gave Clark the initial breakdown of its operation, we were on our way.
While we drove about, Bob displayed the fear of a rabbit, frantically giving Clark more suggestions for how to operate the wagon. In between his squeaks of fright, Bob quoted the advantages of the Jeep Cherokee. We were amazed he claimed the wagon had the equivalent of 290 horses! For one wagon? It must be why the other horseless wagons had such great speed.
In the end, we thanked Bob for his kindness. I inquired from him if he could recommend any other places of interest we might explore in the township. Bob asked if we had been to Hollywood yet? The name expressed great beauty, therefore we were all eager to travel there. Clark even more so when he realized we would crest another mountain.
Until tomorrow, my friends.
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