On my journey across the Great Republic in the summer of last year, I had heard rumors of an El Dorado to be had, a-hidden in the land of the Sioux Nation, deep in the Dakota Territory. As unlikely as these tales seemed, I found several parties of good character who also agreed that they had regarded these legends as having some kernel of truth, and, with this kindling of faith, I pondered the draw of riches enough to not only to regain and maintain our family's estates, but also to act in charitable fashion for the remainder of my days. As my sojourn to the Silver mines of Sigil had not yet been planned, and my route from my current stopping place in the rivertown Prarie du Chein (at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ouisconsoin) being, as I thought, shorter and likely less ardous than that to the Bear Republic; I so persuaded myself to investigate these rumours as far as I was able. Therefore, with a weeks preperation, yet packing lightly, and with some store of ready bank-notes, I saddled my trusted steed Johnny Thunder and lit out for the Black Hills of the Dakota territory.
Finding halts at trading posts, storehouses and the like, I made my way quickly through the grasslands of Mankato and into the Dakota plains. Many days camp later I saw a rift far away in the earth, as the walls of grass fell away to sharp jutts, painted colors, and curious formations- The Badlands, as they are called. These I took care to avoid, water and game being scarce there indeed.
After some time I came to the sleepy hamlet of Wall, where I decided to restock my provisions and seek some gentler shelter to re-envigor myself and return my steed to his normal constitution. I sought out a Hotel or Highway house to meet my needs.
At mid-day the town was nearly empty due to some local crisis I yet had no ken of; but, being used to the solitude of the trail, I payed this little mind.
I found a Hotel and prepared to shelter Johnny. Above, I spied a doll avatar, like those now seen as fashionable in some quarters of Caledon and Steelhead, peeking through the upper stories of the Hotel, and looked forward to pleasant company at the dinner-hour.
Unfortunately the rooms here were much too squalid for my liking. Having been some time in Chicago and Boston, when off the trail I found I required some measure of sanitation within where I would lodge, should I be paying a premium price. Therefore, after cleaning my boots off of the gifts of the trail, I recanted of my room to the keeper, that I would seek lodging elswhere, as I am sure as any of my delicate readers would have done in my straits.
Later, with a need for rooms and a the thirst of the trail to subdue, I found a public house, and held hopes of a fine beefsteak and ale.
The travels of Caledon, Steelhead, and the finer cities of my own Republic have since persuaded me that not all, or even most, "soiled doves" are in any way hideous or haggardly; but this untrue impression was first imparted to me by my sight inside this saloon! I could aver that one was merely a bison in a pinnafore, had it not addressed me in cloying terms, bidding my company! I beat a wise and hasty retreat.
Feeling somewhat nauseous, thinking my eyesight confounded by the ardous ride west (scarce not believing the apparitions in the Saloon) I wandered the town for a Doctor of medicine, through whose tonics my senses could be restored. Finding this office up a flight nearby, I knocked upon the door.
The office was empty. Vials and preperations were strewn about. Later I learned that yellow fever had swept this town, and, the physic being called to this place and that, he was seldom at office. Perhaps it is through the want of contact with townspeople, moreover those of the lower sort, that I was fortunate enough to avoid it's contraction; for which grace I am truly thankful. I turned from the office of the Wall Druggist to seek my shelter.
With ailment fading, and health restoring, I sought out the Mayoral seat, seeking news of some nearby household that might accept a lodger.
The Mayor was a cheery and helpful sort, and asked for news from Illinois, where had in origin come out of. He guided me to his own seat as I gave what news and accounts as I could recall that might interest him. He seemed pleased, and commended to me a Norwegian homestead nearby that might give room for the few days I would spend here. Thanking him heartily, I set out to seek this house.
The home was a finely constructed house, with, I thought, ample room. It was owned by a railroad agent whose local and federal commissions, land titles and deeds permitted a great house to be raised on this forsaken prairie land. My Host greeted my kindly and offered room and board for a most agreeably small fee.
The smell of Coffee and Bacon greeted me, and that of sweet pies baking. I accepted a cool draught of Cider before retiring to a much needed nap.
At ease, I finally kicked of my shoes as the nights of sleeping on bullrushes and paddocks, with but my Hudson Blankets to keep me warm, were exchanged for a night of peaceful rest in goosedown and linen. Tommorow shall come, the gold-filled hills await me, but tonight, I take my comfort.
