Boarding House

Snake rode down the street, stopping in front of a large, comfortable looking house on the edge of town. A small sign on the white picket fence announced – “Grayson’s Boarding House”. Snake tied his horse to a post and knocked at the front door. A striking woman in her mid-30’s answered. “May I help you?”

“Hello, Mam. I’m new in town and I was wondering if I might find a room here. I like a quiet place.”

The woman looked Robert up and down. She was taken with his manners and friendly smile. “I usually don’t accept drifters, but I think you are a well mannered young man. I don’t allow drinking or fancy women in my home. The rate is $5 a week in advance. That gets you a room, breakfast, and a bath once a week.”

Snake nodded with a huge grin. “That would be wonderful, Mam. Is there a place I could stable my horse?”

The woman looked over Snake’s shoulder. “We have a barn in back. You can stable him there. Feed will cost you another $1 a week. And my name is Janice, Janice Grayson.”

After Snake handed Mrs. Grayson $6 he led his horse to the barn, got him settled, and then carried his things to the back door. Janice Grayson was waiting for him. “We have a bath tub in the back room off of the kitchen. I’ve already poured you hot water. I expect you’ll bathe before you go to your room.” The final statement was more of an expectation than a question.

“That would be wonderful, Mrs. Grayson,” Snake entered the house and moved toward the back room.

Mrs. Grayson left Snake alone and closed the door to the room. After a few minutes of soaking in a hot bath, Snake stood to soap down his body. Just at that time Janice Grayson remembered that she had not left a towel for her young guest. She picked up a large, clean towel and hurried to the back room.