292 7.20 Prospectors Are On Their Way (2/2)
”Same here Matilda, order 2 servings for us then. Let me ask the tavern lady here about this town.”
”Excuse me, Miss, may we kindly know the name of this town? We both were out of towners and we might be afraid that we may have diverted off our main route.”
”Oh, this is Ackworth in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Where would you be heading?”
”Ah...we are a pair of prospectors and we are looking for places to mine for common gems. Would there be such a place over here?”
”You can get the local map from the Peddler here as well as other maps from other towns. There would be indications for mines in colour-coded for easy reference and you could acquire a compass if you may. it's easier to get around that way.”
”Aye...thank you, Miss. Could we have 2 servings of Rice and Pork Belly? That would be all. Thank you.”
”Alright...it would be 10 shillings and 21 coppers, lad. Be right back in 20 minutes.”
.....
”Wait here, I want to get some maps.” I rose and went to the Peddler and asked him if he had a local map here and said I want a continuity map towards Yorkshire and down to Nottingham. It cost 2 shillings for each map and I bought a total of 6 maps. A simple compass costs me another 2 shillings and I paid for the items and return to my seat.
I took out the coins to pay for the food too when it came and I asked In a casual manner, ”Are all the trading district being set up in this type of manner, similar to the rest of the towns?”
”Oh, yes they do, lad. It always causes a lot of confusion, don't it? The only difference is the names of the town folks, of course. Furthermore, it's being fabricated this way so its easier for us merchants to set up our business.”
She turned and left after she had served us with the Fried Rice and the Roasted Pork. We ate heartily and burped slightly after finishing the meals.
We sat awhile and called the tavern mistress and ordered 4 dumplings to go and this time, Matilda and for the Dumplings. I looked at the map and asked if Matilda is ready to rough it out, meaning to spend in tents and cook outdoors.
”I'm alright with it, I'm a girl guide before so I should be able to survive in the wilderness. Find a stream, forage the forest and we could live like a King with food supplies like eggs, vegetables and rice. What do you intend to do?”
”A whole set of Baden Powell's equipment and cooking set. We should be able to live out here comfortably.” I said as I passed 20 shillings to Matilda to hunt for camping gear first.
”Place all your items here, silly girl. Just carry your sword would be enough and return here whenever you get some items and don't carry them one whole lot at a time. See you in a bit. Take care...” My lips mentioned her to take care but in actual fact, I was hoping that she doesn't run into trouble at all.