…from the January, 1902 issue
On The Road With Violet: Making Marsh Music
For a moment, Violet and Verity just stare at the Ogre brothers. Then Violet says…
“No, I’m afraid I don’t play the saxophone. I do play the harmonica a bit.”
Jake nods and puffs his stogie. “Well, that’s something. We’ll have to get you to serenade us later. How about you?”, he says, looking towards Verity.
Looking a bit overwhelmed, Verity replies, “I don’t play sax either, sir, but I’ve been playing the accordion since I was a little girl. My father taught me.”
Nick Ogre chuckles a bit and opens a rather large chest. After pulling out several instruments (including a couple that neither Violet or Verity recognize), he finally retrieves an accordion.
“Here ya go, Miss…” He looks questioningly at Verity.
“Verity Blaine”, she says as she takes the accordion from him. After slinging its strap over her shoulder, she plays a rather fast and complex riff on it. Both of the Ogre Brothers applaud and praise her skill. Thus encouraged, Verity proceeds to play “Flight of the Bumblebee“. By the time she finishes, Violet and the Ogre Brothers are all cheering and applauding.
“And now it’s your turn, Miss…”, Jake says as he holds a box of harmonicas out to Violet.
Violet selects a small harmonica in the key of C. “Violet Thistledown”, she says. “And your names would be…?”
“Nicholas P. Osgrove”, says the older brother, as he gives a bow.
“Jacob T. Osgrove”, says the younger brother with a respectful nod.
“Well, gentlemen, we are quite pleased to make your acquaintance. I hope you’ll find this tune to your liking.”
Quick as can be, Violet launches into a slow bluesy piece. It quickly becomes apparent that she is making it up as she goes along. After a couple of minutes, she speeds things up until she is playing in a more boogie woogie style. After another three minutes or so, she finishes up. Again, everyone applauds and cheers.
Nick walks over and clasps a huge hand gently on Violet’s shoulder.
“That was damned good, Violet. Kinda reminded me of back home. Can we offer you ladies a drink? We can rustle up some tea, unless you’d prefer something stronger.”
The two young ladies exchange glances and Violet says, “I believe we’ll have what you are having, Nicholas.”
We shall leave off here, Dear Readers, to take a quick peek at what is going on with Sir Rupert and the boys (and Lavender)
Poor Nigel and Hercules have been put to work hauling buckets of swamp muck out of town. Sir Rupert, under close guard, is giving the Mayor and town elders a tour of the turtle. Lavender is wandering around town in a seemingly aimless manner. All of them are worried about Violet. Nigel, for his part, has made it quite clear that he will be very angry if anything happens to her. Hercules has sworn to cause great bodily harm to those responsible. Sir Rupert has indicated that he will bend his wealth and connections towards seeing the guilty punished.
Lavender has yet to weigh in on the issue.
Back in the swamp, music is being played, songs are being sung, stories are told and a very good Kentucky bourbon is being sipped. This goes on well into the night.
And into the next day.
And the next night.
And so on for 5 days. When not making music, the Ogre Brothers prove to be very good cooks, especially in the area of barbecuing. And lest you think that the brothers are taking advantage of the ladies, it should be noted that the ladies sleep inside the cabin (if you call passing out “sleeping”), while the brothers sleep outside.
Director’s Note: No voting this time, folks, but I think I’ll post anther entry tomorrow.
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