When Roy and Billy jumped into the buckboard, Roy reached under their seat and pulled something out of a canvas bag that was sitting on the floor. Roy held up a medium-sized Mason jar for Billy to see. In red paint, Billy's name had been hand painted across the side of the container. A small slot was punched through the metal lid.
"Here, hold this Billy." He grabbed the jar while Roy tore open the edge of the rolled coins and peeled off one dime. Holding the dime between a thumb and finger, Roy said, "This is for having a dry bed this morning. Place it into your jar."
Billy snatched the dime, then fumbling, pushed the coin into the slot. When it hit the bottom of the glass, it made a loud clinking sound. Billy shook the container so he could hear it again.
"I want you to keep track of each day your bed is dry. When I see you the next time," Roy held up the long roll of dimes, "then I'll give you a dime for each of those days your bed is dry." Roy held out his hand. "Do we have a deal, Billy?"
Billy pumped Roy's arm and smiled broadly.
The two stopped at the Saloon and had a cold root beer, and then they returned to the blacksmith's shop. Billy wandered around the area while Roy conducted his business.
"I fixed her one shoe, but she really should have her hooves trimmed and all new shoes."
Roy winced and scanned the mare tied to the outside fence.
"Of course, if money's tight, I could reuse the old shoes and save you some coin."
Roy grinned. "Perhaps." Roy softened his voice. "So, do you happen to know anyone who can work with gold like maybe make a ring for me?" Roy was instantly embarrassed and made sure Billy was off playing, but out of earshot.
"My son Bobby has been experimenting with making stuff like that, you want to talk with him?"
Roy was nervous but agreed. "Sure, if that's okay, Tom."
The blacksmith yelled over his shoulder. "Bobby!"
A handsome young man in his early twenties walked up. Shirtless, Bobby was strong with hard muscles glistening across his upper body. He wiped his fingers on a rag and shook hands with Roy. "Hello."
"Bobby, Roy here is looking for someone who can work some gold into a ring. You want to help the man?"
Bobby smiled and Tom returned to his blacksmith work.
"What kind of ring you looking for, Roy?"
Unprepared, Roy stammered. "Ah, well ah, I don't really know. I was thinking about something a person would need for a wedding."