Clarence had been put out of work at the tough age of 53. Balding, over weight and the start of stiff aged pains he felt less than ready to rejoin the work force.
On day as he exited the local market a notice on the bulletin board at the market entrance took his eye. "Employment Monthly Magazine"
A small 8 x 11 five sheet pamphlet with job titles and phone number or addresses where to apply. Clarence read it from cover page to back page. He marked the interesting jobs with a felt tip pen.
Item # 77. caught his interest, Wanted men of retirement age, need only to be willing to travel on occasion. Lean or muscular we have a position for you. Pay room and board, plus bonus at job's end, call for appointment at Mackinaw Ferriers 1212 W. Michigan Drive, Saint Ignes, Michigan 906-444-2121.
This sounded interesting above all the other jobs mentioned. Clarence showed the add to his wife Betty and begged to drive into upper Michigan and check it out. Reluctantly she agreed as long as they went together.
Clarence called and asked about the job. It was a long day of fourteen hours on duty with six twenty minute breaks during the day. Lodging and meals supplied by the Mackinaw Ferrier Company. Appearl and needed outfits were also supplied. Pay was escrowed till November of that year when all accounts would be paid in full to eligable employees. Medical and life insurance provided as well.
If we both work the summer up their we could take winter off for fun. The misses agreed and they finalized an appointment the next afternoon.
Clarence drove around the city looking up and down till he notice the sign and number 1212. Parking on the street they walked the alley to the door of the business. Walking in they sat in a group, men to the left and ladies to the right.
Soon Clarence was called by the nurse dressed in a tan uniform. Walking into the next room he was poked with needles and weighed. A man looking every bit a doctor checked his vitals and injected him with a monster needle.
The nurse took his hand and walked him to a long and wide bed. He was instructed to strip and wait for the ferrier to call his name. Sitting there he began to feel warm even though he was naked. Soon enough a tall thin man walked in and escorted Clarence to the entrance of a stable.
"I work in here, asked Clarence as he was getting annoyed?"
The man said nothing but then pointed to a door as if he should step inside. Clarence as gulable as a Dutchman could be obeyed. Inside was dark as a high pitched sound began going higher and higher till Clarence collapsed.
Becoming awake he listened to the sounds around him of traffic and people talking. As he tried to stand his balance was all wrong. At last he stood up, looking around he felt well rested and content. As he stood in the door of the barn he saw two men handling some Percheron horses who were upset for some reason.
Looking to his left the village smithy was had at work shoeing two grey dappled Percheron mares. Clarence had to find the manager and ask about Betty.
Suddenly a man walked right up to him and said, " come big boy the smith is ready for you now!" Clarence did not understand why he needed to see the smithy but he trudged alone anyway.
Standing facing the building he stood quiet and at piece. Turning to look he heard someone say "Betty."
A man dressed in a royal coachman's uniform was leading two Percheron mares to the wharf for a boat ride to the historic island. Clarence felt worry about Betty but his deep content feeling kept him standing where he was told.
Soon the smithy came and smiled at Clarence. "You ain't figured it out yet have you stupid! Well I'm about to give you the first lesson at being a good Percheron draft horse!"