Billy and the Turkey
Shoot
A Thanksgiving Story
By Danny Tillman
Six pickups, two of which were pulling chow wagons, came to rest behind Rufus', Billy's and Uncle Everett Hawkin's vehicles:
1st truck - Out of the lead truck stepped Albey Yark himself, who walked around to the passenger door and opened it for his wife and two young men. Rufus and Billy, walking out to greet the new arrivals, recognized the two men as the ones who had brought the table and guns to Albey at the turkey shoot. As Betty and Mary (who was holding Baby Sis) walked on the scene, along with all the children and the Hawkins parents, Albey presented his wife Mrs. Yark, and Bernny and Ernny, his two helpers, who turned out to be his sons. Rufus, in turn, introduced his crowd. No passengers or drivers had, as of yet, exited from the other trucks.
2nd truck - "Come, friends and let me introduce you to some very special friends of mine," and the doors opened and three people got out. "Miss Mary, Miss Betty, and friends, I'd like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Pisachube [editor: pronounced "PEACE-ah-chubby"] and their son Bill."
3rd truck - After hellos all 'round, Albey invited the hosts to the next truck and out came three more people. "Uncle Rufus, Nephew Billy, and friends, I'd like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Brand and their son X [M.w.: pronounced "Ecks"].
4th truck - Albey lead the crowd to the next and fourth truck, and out stepped three more people: "This is Mr. and Mrs. Lincourt and their son John."
5th truck - At the fifth pickup, Albey presented Mr. and Mrs. Tondalayo and their son Tom.
6th truck - Out of the sixth and final truck came Mr. and Mrs. Thornrose and their little son Bob, who was close to Deuie's age.