"You have to come Tanya! Why the whole town will be there!" West looked askance at the young Mousekewitz.

She shook her head again trying not to tremble. " Thank you Mr.s West but uh...well I have no desire to go to a hoedown because...well...because I'm in mourning."

West frowned " Eh? Mourning? "

Tanya nodded quickly " Yes we just got a note in saying our aunt passed away and we're in mourning it wouldn't be proper for me to go to a ..a...celebration right now. I need to spend it with my family."

West grabbed her hand " Oh my dear girl had I known! I would stay with you and dry your tears!"

Tanya began looking alarmed " Oh no..that's..it's ok Mr. West...these things happen and uh mamma said the best way to deal with our grief is in our own way in our own time. I might stay in my room and um sew...or something..."

West patted her hand and pressed his fat lips against it. Unlike Waul who had somehow managed not to drool all over her West's kiss was sloppy and wet. Tanya cringed.

West smiled at her affectionately " You'll make a fine wife Tanya, why you're so lovely and sweet hearted you'll be winning over voters left and right and I'll bet you'll want to have quite a family won't you? " He tipped her a wink that made her shudder.

" Mr. West please..." Tanya tugged at her hand.

" Of course of course well keep the dress my dear there will be other occasions to use it." He hitched up his belt over his large stomach and cocked his hat giving her what he no doubt thought was a dashing wink and turned to head off to speak to a small crowd of mice standing in front of the generals tore trading gossip.

Tanya gulped then ran. When she go to the water barrel she slipped behind it and slid down to pull her knees up. Her lips began to tremble. Was this to be her lot in life? Would she be forced to marry someone like West? Was she being selfish not to? She leaned her face into her lap and began to cry softly.

A soft gentle voice suddenly caught her attention.

" Excuse me Missus...you seem to need this more than I."

Tanya glanced up and squeaked a bit startled. There was a large black rat in front of her. He wore overalls over his broad black chest. In fact there was no color on him anywhere other then his red eyes and his bland brown pants and dirty white shirt. A shapeless brown hat was crammed on his head and when he removed it she saw to her surprise his fur was long and swept over his ears in an attempt to keep it out of his face. The effect was dashing and a bit sexy. He was holding out a white handkerchief to her. His face was warm and slightly concerned.

" Oh...I'm sorry you startled me..." She took the handkerchief and dried her eyes. She started to hand it back.

" Oh no Missus you keep it please ah wuz just hopin you could help me is all." He nervously took off and turned his brown hat around in his black paws his tail curling around his feet.

"Oh...well how can I help you." Tanya asked standing up. She blinked up at the rat. He had seemed big because she was sitting down but she suddenly realized he actually was big. Bigger than any mouse she had ever seen anyway. She suddenly felt uneasy and glanced around quickly.

If the rat noticed her unease he didn't comment on it. " My name's Tar missus I wuz wantin to settle my family here in this here town but...well..." He looked around and spread his hands out. " I'm such a dummy I can't seem to figure out who to speak to!"

Tanya relaxed a little " Oh...the mayor is the one you want to start with. He's the mouse over there in the white coat and hat. Mr. West. He can even help you find a place big enough for your family Mr. Tar. "

The rat twisted his hat his face twisting into an' aw gosh' look " Aw golly missus just call me Tar! A lady like you ain't gotta call a rat like me Mr. no how no way! "

Tonya found herself smiling at him. Now that her eyes were dry she started taking in little details. His fur was glossy and healthy. His eyes though a sinister red were large and gentle and his smile was sweet almost making him seem like a little boy. His ears were a bit tattered but he was keeping them pressed to his head to show no aggression and his voice...well his voice was actually lovely.

She blushed suddenly realizing they had been staring at each other. She cleared her throat. " I hope your family will be very happy here Tar. I can't wait to meet your wife and kids...my dad sells violins and fiddles and gives lessons if you like. " She motioned out to the store in the distance " Mousekewitz, maybe we'll be neighbors if you need a big place."

Tar chuckled " Naw only thang I ever learnt to play missus is a harmonica but we'll be neighbors right nuff. I ain't got a wife and kids but I live with my sister, my brother and my brother's wife and they got about 8 young un's atween em. What's yer name missus?"

" Tanya, Tanya Mousekewitz." Tar took her hand and kissed the air just above it and it sent a warm shiver through her. His every move was slick and powerful. She suddenly wondered if he liked theater and opera and well things like that. She hoped so...she wanted someone to talk to other than Waul. Waul was way out there Tar would be here in town. She suddenly didn't feel so lonely.

" I have to go Tar...pleased to meet you" She bobbed in a courtesy and turned to hurry off.

" Bye bye Missus Mousekewitz." Tar called waving at her. His sappy smile turned a bit more menacing and he turned towards the desert. He flashed a quick thumbs up before putting his hat back on and searching out Mayor West. The fat little mouse would give him what he wanted or Tar would take him behind the saloon and beat him to within an inch of his life.

He began to whistle softly as he walked away from the water bin.