The Farmers' Market Mishap

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

It had been two weeks since Elma went to the farmers’ market in Shipshewana. She’d done fairly well with sales, but it wasn’t likely she’d be able to rent another table there this month because things were busier than ever at the store. Elma couldn’t help wondering if she might see Ben Wagler again if she went back to the market. He’d said he might drop by the store sometime, but he could have been making small talk or trying to be polite. More than likely, she’d probably never see him again. In the brief time they’d spent together, though, Elma found herself desiring to know Ben better. He had the kindest-looking eyes, and although his voice was deep, his tone was gentle. She could still visualize his warm smile.

  Now don’t start fantasizing about something that’s not likely to happen, she scolded herself.

  Elma glanced across the room to where Thelma sat behind the counter. Thelma looked more tired than usual today but was determined to be here for a few hours.

  Lizzie was in the back, straightening some bolts of material, and then she was supposed to put out a box of thread that had just come in. Elma wasn’t sure how much her helper had gotten done so far, because the last time she checked, Lizzie had been visiting with some of the customers. It wasn’t a bad thing to chat with those who came into the store, but if given the chance, Lizzie could go on for hours.

  With a shrug, Elma headed for the back room to check the list of supplies she needed to order. When she stepped inside, she took a seat at the desk and picked up her ordering tablet. She’d only been sitting a moment when she caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. It didn’t take long for her to realize it was a little gray mouse.

  Oh, great. Just what the store needs. I don’t want the creepy rodent in here with me. Mice are disgusting creatures. If Tiger was in here right now, he’d go after the mouse.

  Sliding her chair away from the desk, she picked up the broom in the corner of the room. “I don’t need this,” Elma muttered. Of course, the mouse was too quick for her and darted into a wee hole on the opposite side of the room. As much as Elma disliked the idea, she’d have to bring Tiger into the store.

  Delbert pulled his horse up to the hitching rail outside Joseph’s harness shop and stepped down from the buggy. He’d been in the area doing carpentry work for an Amish couple, so it was a good chance to drop by and say hello to his friend.

  After making sure his horse was secure, Delbert opened the door to the harness shop. When he stepped inside, he was greeted by the smells of leather, savory neat’s-foot oil, and pungent dye. Piled on the cement floor were bits of leather scraps resembling spaghetti noodles. An oversized sewing machine run by an air compressor sat on a large table, and a row of tools spilled out of round wooden holders on the workbench nearby.

  Delbert moved past several harnesses and bridles looped from ceiling hooks and nearly ran into an enormous sheet of loosely rolled leather. “Where are ya, Joe?” he called.

  A few seconds later, his longtime friend stepped out of the back room, grinning as he ambled toward him. “Well, well, I didn’t expect to see you today.” Joe grinned and slapped Delbert on the back.

  Delbert explained his reason for being in town then asked how things were going.

  “Ya mean here or at home?”

  “Either or.” Delbert leaned against the sewing machine table.

  “Things at home are okay, although my fraa tends to do too much.” Joseph folded his arms and groaned. “Here, things have been kinda slow the last few weeks, and it’s got me worried.”

  Delbert shook his head. “No need for that. As long as there are Amish folks living in Topeka and the surrounding area, there will be a need for your harness shop.”

  “You’re right about there being a need for a harness shop, but what if people who used to come in here decide to take their work someplace else?”

  “That’s not gonna happen. You have a reputation for doing good work. Things will pick up again soon, I’m sure.”

  “And if they don’t?” Joseph dropped his gaze to the messy floor while rubbing his neck.

  “I’m sure they will, but if for some reason they don’t, then you’ll look for something else to do.”

  Joseph’s bottom lip pulled in. “I don’t know how to do anything but make and repair harnesses, Dell.”

  Tired of standing, Delbert pulled a folding chair out from the wall and took a seat. “Are you still worried about whether you can support your family?”

  Joseph looked up and nodded. “It won’t be just me and Thelma anymore. In a few months, I’ll be a daed, and there will be another mouth to feed.”

  Delbert snickered. “The boppli won’t be eating solid food for some time after it’s born, so you don’t have to worry about that for a while.”

  “Very funny. You know what I mean.”

  “The best thing you can do is pray about the situation and let God take care of the rest.”

  “You’re right. I made that decision once already, but I keep taking it back.”

  “Well, quit it.” Delbert stood and draped his arm across his friend’s shoulders. “Just remember, I’m here for you if you need to talk. Oh, and don’t worry, ’cause I’d never stand by and let my best friend and his family starve.” He noticed for the first time dark circles beneath his friend’s eyes.

  Joseph smiled. “Danki, Dell. You really are a good freind.”

  “Hey, let me take you out to lunch. I’ll even drive, since I’m ready to go.” Delbert fiddled with a piece of leather lying on the counter.

  “Okay. Let me close things up and hang my Return after Lunch sign in the window. I can sure use a break. Maybe it’ll help pick up my spirits.” Joseph adjusted the sign on the door.

  As they headed for town, Delbert asked which restaurant Joe would like to go to for lunch. He wasn’t surprised when his friend chose his favorite place—Tiffany’s.

  Delbert snapped the reins to get his horse to pick up the pace. “You know, if you’re worried about your business and wondering if you’ll be able to support a family, I could teach you how to do carpentry work.”

  Joseph smirked, pulling off his straw hat. “I’m not sure I could learn that type of trade easily. Besides, I like what I do.”

  “It was only a suggestion.”

  “I appreciate it, and you’ll be the first person I call upon if it comes to changing careers.” Joseph swatted him with the hat before placing it back on his head.

  Delbert pulled his rig into the restaurant parking lot. Sure hope my pal’s worries are for nothing. I hope and pray he can keep providing for his growing family.

  Grabill

  “Sure appreciate you takin’ me to LaGrange on such short notice,” Ben told his driver, Dave Carlson, as they headed down the road in Dave’s truck.

  Dave tapped the steering wheel. “It’s a good thing you caught me when you did, because I was heading out to do some fishing when the telephone rang.”

  Ben’s jaw clenched. “Sorry about that. I would have called another driver if you’d said something.”

  Dave shook his bald head. “It’s no big deal. I can always go fishing tomorrow.” He glanced in his rearview mirror. “You sure your dog’s gonna be okay back there?”

  Ben turned his head to check, and he smiled at how the breeze from the moving truck made his dog’s ears flap around. Nose sniffing the air, Hunter was obviously enjoying himself, watching the scenery whiz by. “Hunter’s ridden in the bed of a truck before, so I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

  Dave snickered. “I could see by the way he was carryin’ on back at your place that he wanted to go along.”

  “Yeah, the dog thinks he should go everywhere with me, but most times, like when I’m going off to shoe a horse, he has to stay home with Mom.” Ben reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of gum. “I would have left Hunter home today, but with Mom not feeling well, I figured he’d bark and get on her nerves if I locked him in the kennel.”

  “You’re probably right. He’d have most likely carried on the whole
time you were gone.”

  Ben gave a nod before glancing at the cardboard box filled with flowers on the seat between them. A lady who bought some of Mom’s flowers at the farmers’ market two weeks ago had called and asked if she could get some more. Since Mom had come down with a bad cold and didn’t feel like going out or exposing anyone, Ben had volunteered to take them. Afterward, if Dave didn’t mind the detour, he planned to go to Topeka and stop by E&T’s General Store to say hello. Elma had been on Ben’s mind a lot since their meeting in Shipshewana. He was eager to get to know her better. At the very least, he needed to find out if she had a suitor.

  LaGrange

  Ben was glad when he delivered the flowers to Velma Williamson, and she seemed pleased. “I was hoping your mother would have a table at the farmers’ market again, but I guess she’s been busy with other things.” The elderly woman smiled when she gave Ben the money; then she tipped her head to one side. “Did you hear that sound?”

  “What sound?”

  “It came from outside, I think.” She fiddled with her hearing aid. “I need a new battery for this thing. When the battery is low it buzzes sometimes.”

  “I didn’t hear anything.”

  She waved a hand in the air. “Not important. Please tell your mother I hope she feels better soon, and I might be calling again for another order.”

  “Yes, I will.” Ben couldn’t imagine why Velma would need to buy more flowers when she had some growing in her own garden. With what he’d witnessed already, she appeared to be a bit eccentric. But if she wanted to spend her money that way, who was he to question it?

  Ben said good-bye to Mrs. Williamson and hopped back in Dave’s truck. He was about to ask if Dave would mind going to Topeka when he glanced back and noticed Hunter was no longer in the bed of the truck. He looked over at Dave. “What happened to my dog?”

  Dave lifted both hands. “He jumped out when you headed up to the house with the flowers. Then I saw him running around the yard for a bit, chasing a black-and-white cat. Figured he’d be back in the truck by now.”

  “Well, he’s not.” Ben opened his door and jumped out. Scanning the yard, he cupped his hands around his mouth. “Hunter! Hunter! Where are ya, boy?”

  No sign of the dog. Not even a bark in response to his call. Surely Hunter couldn’t have gone too far. But then if he was after Velma’s cat, they both could have taken off down the road.

  Ben called Hunter’s name a few more times, but still no response. A few minutes later, a scruffy-looking black-and-white cat darted into the yard and leaped onto the front porch. Ben expected to see Hunter come bounding in on the cat’s heels, but no such luck.

  He called the dog’s name a few more times then stepped onto the porch and knocked on Velma’s door. As soon as it opened, the cat zipped inside.

  Velma tipped her head back, looking up at him with a quizzical expression. “Did you forget something, Ben?”

  “Yeah, my dog.”

  Her mouth opened slightly. “Did you say your hog?”

  Taking into consideration that Velma was slightly hard of hearing, Ben repeated, a little louder, “My dog. He was in the back of my driver’s truck when I brought the flowers up to you, and now he’s gone.” No point mentioning that Hunter had been chasing her cat.

  “Well, I haven’t seen your dog, but if you’ll give me a description, I’ll call and let you know if I see him anywhere.”

  Ben closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath. Apparently, Velma thought he would go home without his dog. Well, that wasn’t going to happen. If it took the rest of the morning and all afternoon, Ben would find Hunter.

  CHAPTER 13

  Grabill

  Thanks for the ride.” Ben reached into his pocket and handed Dave the money he owed. “And I’m sorry for keepin’ you most of the day.”

  Dave waved away his concerns. “Aw, that’s okay. I’m just sorry we couldn’t find your dog.”

  “Yeah, me, too.” Ben’s neck bent forward as he sagged against the seat. “Maybe, if I’m lucky, Hunter will find his way home.”

  “Could be. I’ve heard of some dogs traveling many miles to get back to their master.”

  Ben nodded, although his chest felt heavy. As much as he hated to admit it, he might never see Hunter again. Ben and Dave had driven around LaGrange for several hours after leaving Velma’s house, but there was no sign of his dog. In addition to the possibility of losing a good hunting dog, they’d used up so much time looking for Hunter that he hadn’t made it to Topeka to see Elma. He’d have to plan a trip there some other time. One thing was certain, if Hunter should return, he wouldn’t be going any distance with Ben—especially not in the bed of a pickup truck.

  “Well, I’d better let you go.” Ben opened the truck door and stepped out. “Thanks again, Dave, for all you did today.”

  “No problem. Tell your mother I said hello and that I hope she feels better soon.”

  “I will.” As Ben watched Dave’s truck pull out of the yard, his mouth twisted grimly. He dreaded telling Mom that Hunter was gone. These past few years she’d grown attached to the dog, and it went without saying that Ben had, too. Unfortunately, he had a sinking feeling Hunter wasn’t coming back.

  Ben walked slowly toward the house; then wishful thinking made him glance toward the pastures. How many times had he and Hunter walked those fields together? Would it only be a memory now? Ben watched, almost willing Hunter to materialize and run toward him, hungry and eager to be fed his supper.

  “Where are you, my furry friend?” Ben whispered, with one last look before going in. “I hope wherever you are tonight, someone will be kind to you.”

  LaGrange

  When Delbert arrived home, he pulled his rig around back near the buggy shed and barn. The summery heat of the day made him happy to pull into some cool shade near the building. He climbed down, took off his hat, and fanned himself, leaning against his rig to rest a moment. His horse, Chip, stood snorting loudly and nodding his head.

  “Okay, boy. I’ll see to you in a moment.” Delbert noticed his shirt was sweaty under his suspenders. He couldn’t wait to eat, change, and relax when all the chores were done.

  After unhitching Chip, he led him to the barn for a good brushing and offered fresh water to drink.

  Today had been long, and Delbert looked forward to spending a quiet evening with his feet propped up. Since he didn’t feel like heating up the kitchen by using the gas stove, he’d settle for a tuna sandwich and a few pickles with chips. He’d stopped at the grocery store on the way back from Topeka and bought a gallon of root beer, so he would have a tall glass of that, too. Good thing Elma wouldn’t be there to watch him drink it. She’d probably have something to say about the high sugar count.

  Delbert led the horse to the barn, and when he opened the stall door, the hinges squeaked. He’d need to get those oiled soon. Once the horse was inside, he grabbed the brush and currycomb. While Chip drank water and munched on some oats, Delbert wiped the animal down then began the combing and currying process.

  The odor of straw tickled Delbert’s nose. Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! He set the brush aside and pulled a hankie out of his pocket. Hay was one of the many things he was allergic to—especially as he’d gotten older. His sensitivities had worsened over the years, and he’d become intolerant to even more things than when he was young.

  Sweat trickled down his face as he fought against the tangles in Chip’s mane, but he persevered, despite his horse’s snorting protests and hooves thumping against the wooden floor.

  When the chore was done, Delbert put the comb and brush away, stepped out of the stall, and latched the door. His stomach rumbled, reminding him it was suppertime, so he would wait to put the buggy in the shed till after he’d had a bite to eat. A tuna sandwich sounded pretty good about now.

  Stepping out of the barn and into the yard, Delbert paused to breathe in the fresh air. After being cooped up in the stuffy building, it felt good to be outside again.r />
  When Delbert rounded the corner of his house, he came to a halt. “What’s this?”

  A German shorthair pointer, with liver-and-white spots on his head and back, lay on the porch, tongue hanging out. Delbert had never seen the hunting dog before and didn’t have an inkling who the animal belonged to. Well, the critter couldn’t stay here, but Delbert wouldn’t let it languish in the hot sun, either, even though it would be setting before long.

  As soon as Delbert stepped onto the porch, the dog whimpered and looked up at him with sorrowful brown eyes.

  “I know, buddy. You look hot and tired. I’ll get ya some water real quick.” Delbert opened the door and stepped into the house, hoping the dog wouldn’t follow. The last thing he needed was dirty paw prints or dog hair floating through the rooms. He glanced back, impressed to see the dog patiently waiting.

  After filling a large plastic bowl with cool water, he went back outside. Placing the dish in front of the dog, Delbert stepped aside and watched. He had to admit, the animal was beautiful and seemed well behaved. As nice looking as this one was, there must be an owner searching for it.

  With no hesitation, the critter began lapping the water until it was gone. Licking his lips and wagging his short, stubby tail, the dog sat, looking at Delbert as if he needed more.

  “Okay, okay.” Delbert picked up the bowl, went back in the house, and filled it again. This time the dog drank half the water then flopped onto the porch with a grunt and a burp.

  “My, my, that must have been good.” Delbert chuckled and patted his own stomach. “I know how you feel when your belly is satisfied.”

  Delbert took a seat and watched the animal rest. The dog appeared friendly enough. He noticed that the shorthair wore a collar, but after inspecting it, he saw no identification. Delbert figured now that the animal had been refreshed he’d move on, but the critter put his nose between his paws and slept.

  Delbert didn’t want to bother the dog, and the tuna sandwich he envisioned himself eating made his mouth water. He brought his hand up to his shoulder and massaged a knot that had developed.